Democrats Can Win Immigration Battle in November: Pro-Worker Strategy

Immigration emerged as a defining issue in Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and again in his successful 2020 re-election bid, with claims that Mexican immigrants were criminals and rapists framing his rhetoric. However, public opinion has shifted against him on this issue. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in early 2024 found that only 37% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of immigration, while 56% disapprove. This gap presents an opportunity for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections—provided they craft their messaging carefully to avoid alienating working-class voters they hope to win back.

A memo from Winning Jobs Narrative Action, a Democratic-aligned group, outlines a strategy for Democrats to frame immigration in a way that resonates with voters without falling into common rhetorical traps. The document, based on nine months of research and tested through online surveys, argues that effective messaging should emphasize immigrants’ contributions to the economy rather than rely on purely moral or legal arguments.

One key finding is that messages delivered by certain messengers—particularly those seen as overly ideological—may alienate moderate and working-class voters. For example, a hypothetical message from an immigration attorney calling for an end to deportations in absolutist terms, labeling Trump’s policies as “un-American,” tested poorly among these groups. Instead, the memo suggests that faith leaders or other trusted local figures would be more effective by framing immigrants as neighbors who contribute to the community through labor in essential industries such as farming, childcare, and healthcare.

Steve Pierce, executive director of Winning Jobs Narrative Education and its political arm, emphasized that while many working-class voters oppose ICE’s violent tactics, simply criticizing enforcement isn’t enough. “They think it’s extreme,” he said. “But what was also consistent is you can’t offer nothing as an alternative. It can’t just be, ‘Well, we’re going to have the status quo and let that continue.’”

The memo argues that Democrats should avoid framing immigration solely as a moral issue without addressing economic concerns. Two particularly effective messages tested well among voters. One highlighted that immigrants pay taxes while billionaires saw significant wealth gains under the Trump administration. The other pointed out that Trump redirected funds from food and healthcare assistance to hire and train ICE agents, suggesting Democrats would prefer shifting resources toward basic benefits instead.

Andrea Flores, who served as director of border management on the National Security Council under President Biden, noted that Democrats often struggle to present an affirmative immigration message. “So much of what Democrats say is in response to what President Trump is doing,” she said, “which creates a gap. Americans don’t see an alternative to what he’s doing or they hear all of the harms without the solutions.”

Flores suggested that Democrats could highlight how spending on immigration enforcement comes at the expense of other priorities. “Why are we building new detention centers to detain children when health care premiums are at their highest? Why are we cutting food stamps to build prisons for kids?” she asked. “Is your community better off because you have untrained ICE agents in your communities, or would it be better if you could afford health care?”

The memo also warns Democrats against four common messaging pitfalls: ignoring immigration entirely, focusing solely on compassion without economic context, reinforcing Republican framing by adopting enforcement language, and relying on messengers that polarize rather than persuade. By centering economic interdependence and concrete policy alternatives, Democrats may turn immigration from a liability into a strength in November.