Last Updated on by Serena Zehlius
Demonizing immigrants is something that has been done all over the world throughout history. Immigrants are frequently blamed for the ills of a society, even when they have nothing to do with the issue they’re being blamed for.
Main Points (Summary)
The topic of immigration has stirred emotions, debates, and even conflicts throughout history. This article will look at how immigrants have been demonized in society, tracing the historical origins and ongoing implications.
By examining patterns of blame and dehumanization, we can understand how these narratives shape public perception and influence immigration policy decisions.
Today, we find ourselves in a climate where words like “illegal” and “criminal” are frequently attached to immigrant identities. This rhetoric not only affects individuals but also impacts communities and nations at large.
We hope to shed light on the consequences that come with demonizing immigrants and how we can work toward a more empathetic society.
Current Climate: “Poisoning the blood of our…”
Ever since Donald Trump entered the political scene, Right-wing politics have become increasingly charged with rhetoric seeking to dehumanize and demonize immigrants. His rhetoric significantly worsened in 2024 when it became clear that it was a Trump campaign strategy to demonize immigrants. He started using the same phrases as Hitler when talking about them.
During Trump’s debate with Kamala Harris, it also became clear that it was a campaign strategy to demonize Haitian immigrants in Ohio as well when Trump said, “They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats and dogs. They’re eating the pets,” repeating false claims spread by his VP candidate, J.D. Vance, formerly a Senator from Ohio. The state’s Governor, business leaders, and police department all refuted the claims and asked the campaign to stop demonizing Haitian immigrants. They refused.
Terms like “invasion,” “terrorist,” “gang-member,” and “criminal” dominate discussions, feeding into fears that immigrants pose a threat to societal safety and economic stability.
Conservative media will find a case where a murder was committed by an undocumented immigrant and amplify it to the point that viewers believe immigrants are murdering Americans at unprecedented rates.
They’ll also claim that this particular immigrant entered the country through the Southern border during the Biden administration, regardless of whether it’s true or not.
President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security have been pushing the narrative that there are millions of undocumented immigrants who invaded the country and are gang members, rapists, murderers, or criminals in general.
Their lies have now caught up to them and they’re struggling to find enough “criminals” to deport. As they build new detention facilities that house thousands of people and increase the budget, making Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the law enforcement agency with the highest budget in the country, it’s not hard to predict that they plan to arrest even more non-criminal immigrants.
Stephen Miller has imposed a “3,000 arrests a day” quota on ICE, leading to the arrest and deportation of immigrants who have lived and worked in their communities for decades.
Narratives like theirs and negative terms like “criminal” are often amplified by political leaders and media outlets, creating a hostile environment for immigrants and their families.
The implications of this demonization are serious. Policies aimed at mass deportation and stricter immigration controls are often justified through fear, leading to a culture that not only marginalizes immigrants but also erodes the values of compassion and inclusivity in society.
America has always been known as a country of immigrants from all over the world (melting pot). The Statue of Liberty stands in New York, her torch the light that guides ships to our shore carrying immigrants. At Ellis Island, families can search through logs to find the names of their ancestors when they first arrived in the U.S.
Mass Deportation
Mass deportation has been a recurring theme in the United States, often justified by the need to protect citizens from perceived threats posed by undocumented immigrants.
The fear-mongering narrative paints a picture of immigrants as criminals, perpetuating the idea that they are responsible for crime and job losses.
Past Presidents have deported more people than the Trump administration in the same amount of time, but they weren’t releasing videos of ICE raids and constant updates about the criminals they apprehended. It was done behind the scenes, with due process, using immigration courts as required by law.
Mass deportation isn’t “impossible to do” if you “have to give every deportee the right to due process,” as Trump once implied.
This has led to a series of draconian immigration policies that have torn families apart and created a climate of fear. The family separation policy of the first Trump administration is a stain on our country—previously known for fighting against human rights abuses around the world (though our funding of the genocide in Gaza has completely and permanently altered our reputation when it comes to international law, war crimes, and human rights).
The implications of mass deportation extend far beyond individuals; entire communities suffer from the repercussions. Schools, local businesses, and social services experience the strain of a fractured society, often leading to a cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement.
Understanding these consequences is important in addressing the root causes of why these narratives persist.
A Historical Look at Demonizing Immigrants
The dehumanization and demonization of immigrants are not new phenomena. In the 19th century, Irish and Italian immigrants faced severe discrimination and were often painted as threats to American society.
Negative stereotypes depicted them as drunkards and criminals, which justified hostility and exclusionary policies. This historical context reveals how fear and prejudice can morph into societal narratives that persist over generations. The Irish are still viewed as “drinkers” today.
These immigrants were often scapegoated during economic downturns, as they were perceived to be taking jobs away from “real” Americans.
The social fabric of America was tested as these groups found themselves marginalized, illustrating how immigration has historically been a contentious issue fraught with misunderstanding and bias.
Another dark chapter in the history of immigrant demonization occurred during World War II, when Japanese Americans were unjustly interned in camps across the country. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, fear and suspicion led to widespread government-sanctioned discrimination. Thousands of Japanese Americans lost their homes, businesses, and freedom, all in the name of national security.
The Japanese internment camps serve as a stark reminder of how quickly fear can translate into action when a population is demonized. The repercussions of such actions echo through history, leaving a legacy of trauma that affects generations.
Understanding this part of history emphasizes the importance of vigilance against narratives that seek to dehumanize any group.
The internment camp period was one of the few times in history that the Alien Enemies Act was used. President Trump invoked the same Act under a false pretense of war with Venezuela and an “invasion” of Tren de Aragua gang members.
The Trump administration then used the Act to deport 238 Venezuelans to CECOT, a terrorist prison in El Salvador, without due process. Investigations have found that the majority of people sent there have no criminal history. Records from the Department of Homeland Security obtained by ProPublica have shown that the administration knew before they were deported that a majority of the people they were condemning to life in a foreign prison hadn’t committed a single crime—in the U.S. or in their home country.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was one of the immigrants sent to CECOT “by mistake,” causing backlash from the public as well as the courts.
Patterns of Blame: A Recurring Theme
Historical patterns reveal that during times of economic crisis, immigrants often find themselves on the receiving end of blame from a frustrated populace. As jobs become scarce and resources are strained, leaders may tap into nationalistic sentiments (America First, Christian Nationalism, White Nationalists), positioning immigrants as the ‘other’ who are stealing opportunities and draining resources.
After Republicans passed a bill that’s going to kick almost 12 million people off of Medicaid, Republican politicians are claiming those 12 million people are “illegal immigrants who shouldn’t have the health insurance in the first place”. That’s not true. Immigrants can’t access Medicaid. This claim only increases tensions between immigrants and Republican voters who are cheering the mass deportations. Their politicians have consistently lied to them and claimed immigrants are taking their jobs and their houses (blaming them for the current housing shortage).
Unfortunately politicians didn’t learn any lessons from a few years ago when a mass shooter targeted immigrants citing the “Great Replacement Theory,” a conspiracy sometimes discussed on Conservative news shows.
This tactic has been used throughout history, from the Great Depression to the 2008 financial crisis, and continues to be a strategy for diverting attention from the societal problems of today (housing crisis, inflation) and focusing them instead on the “others” who are “to blame.” It’s not the politicians in government who are doing nothing about the affordability and housing crisis in this country. Look at the immigrants, don’t look up at the people in power.
The narrative that immigrants are to blame for our problems is simplistic and deeply flawed, as it ignores the contributions immigrants make to society. In reality, immigrants have played crucial roles in economic growth and cultural enrichment.
They pay taxes, including Medicare and Social Security taxes, even though they will never have access to those benefits. In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid over $96 billion in federal, state, and local taxes. Just another way that Donald Trump and DOGE have ended up costing the American taxpayers so much more than they claim to have “saved” us.
At least $70 billion in tax revenue from undocumented workers, around $39 billion lost from the decline in tourism as countries issue travel warnings to their citizens (several tourists from Germany, Australia, and U.K. have already been arrested and held in detention facilities), $500 billion a year in lost tax revenue due to staffing cuts at the IRS, millions of dollars in court fees and costs incurred from locating and re-hiring employees who were illegally fired, billions and billions of dollars worth of food rotting in warehouses that we already paid for but that wasn’t distributed to starving children after Elon Musk shut down USAID, and the list goes on and on…
Immigrants also do jobs that American workers won’t: Working on farms, for example—out in the fields for long hours under the hot sun for low wages.
This disconnect between perception and reality fuels the cycle of demonization and scapegoating, making it important that we address these stereotypes head-on.
Political leaders often exploit public fears to rally support for their agendas, leveraging anti-immigrant sentiment as a means to consolidate power. President Trump often did this at campaign rallies prior to the 2024 election. He was so intent on using immigration to his advantage that he stopped Congress from passing an immigration reform bill that would have solved the very issues he complained about.
By framing immigration as a crisis, leaders create an us vs. them mentality that can distract from more complex social issues. The rhetoric used often paints immigrants not just as different but as threats to economic and social stability.
This cycle can lead to the creation of legislation that further marginalizes immigrants, often under the guise of protecting citizens. The chilling effect of such policies extends beyond those directly affected, creating a culture of fear that permeates communities, making immigrants hesitant to seek help or participate in society.
The media plays a significant role in shaping public discourse around immigration. Sensationalized reporting can perpetuate stereotypes and generate negative perceptions of immigrant communities. News outlets often focus on crime stories involving immigrants, rather than highlighting their contributions to society or the challenges they face.
The framing of immigration stories can either humanize or dehumanize individuals. By focusing on narratives that emphasize fear and division, media outlets contribute to a society where demonization becomes normalized. This cycle of representation can have real-world consequences, influencing public opinion and policy decisions.
In response to the demonization of immigrants, social movements have emerged throughout history to advocate for justice and dignity. From labor rights movements to contemporary immigration reform efforts, these movements seek to counteract negative narratives and advocate for fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Activism plays an important role in challenging the societal status quo, working to reshape public perception and policy. By highlighting the shared humanity of all individuals, these movements foster solidarity across communities and challenge the frameworks that perpetuate fear and division.
Consequences of Dehumanization
The dehumanization of immigrants has tangible consequences, particularly for undocumented individuals who live in constant fear of detention and deportation. The stigma attached to being undocumented creates barriers to accessing essential services, such as healthcare and education, leading to a cycle of marginalization and exclusion.
A memo shared with ICE officials at the beginning of the mass deportation effort announced that typical “safe spaces” for undocumented immigrants were no longer off-limits. The agency is now free to conduct raids in hospitals, churches, and schools.
The already fearful existence of undocumented immigrants is worse now that they could face arrest and deportation any time they walk out their door. With the Supreme Court recently ruling to allow the administration to deport people to third countries—including war-torn South Sudan, a country the U.S. warns citizens not to visit because of the risk of death—immigrants not only have to worry about being sent back to their home country, but to a country they’ve never been to, where they don’t speak the language or know anyone.
It’s yet another example of this administration being cruel for cruelty’s sake. Just imagine being dropped in a country you don’t know, you can’t understand anyone, a war is taking place, and you have nothing and nowhere to go. How is that even close to being humane?
This fear can also contribute to mental health issues, as individuals live in a hostile environment where people at risk of deportation must always be on high alert. The impact extends to families and communities, creating an atmosphere of anxiety that can hinder social cohesion and trust.
The narratives surrounding immigration contribute to societal division and polarization. Those who buy into the demonization of immigrants often find themselves in opposition to those advocating for inclusivity and understanding. This polarization can lead to increased hostility and violence, as individuals feel justified in expressing their fears through aggressive actions or rhetoric.
This division can also hinder productive conversations about immigration policy and reform. Spreading false claims about immigrants only hurts them by causing hatred and fear among the population. When fear dominates the discourse, it becomes challenging to find common ground or to address the root causes of immigration issues, creating a cycle of misunderstanding and mistrust.
The long-term effects of demonization are evident in immigration policies that prioritize enforcement and exclusion over compassion and integration. Policies shaped by fear often fail to address the complexities of immigration and instead perpetuate a cycle of punitive measures that harm individuals and communities.
The first Trump administration used family separation as a punishment for anyone with children coming across the border—even if they were seeking asylum, which is legal. The policy was cruel and Americans protested against it. After the inside of a children’s detention center was broadcast on the news and protests ramped up across the country, the act of family separation ended shortly thereafter.
However, the damage had already been done. Nearly a decade later, there are still children whose parents our government is unable to locate. The Biden administration made reuniting children and parents a top priority when they took office. Thousands of families were reunited, yet there are still orphaned children because of what our country did to people for simply trying to create a better life for their families.
Current mass deportation efforts are also a form of family separation when you consider the high number of families with one or both parents having undocumented status. American citizen children are losing mothers and fathers—sometimes both, unless they are deported along with them. This is likely one reason for Trump’s Executive Order ending birthright citizenship. Taking away the children’s citizenship would make it much easier for them to deport entire families.
Understanding these broader implications is necessary to inform future policy discussions. A more humane and empathetic approach to immigration could lead to policies that support families, foster community integration, and recognize the contributions of immigrants to society.
How to Stop the Cycle
To disrupt the cycle of demonization, we need to promote empathy and understanding in our communities. This requires engaging with the stories and experiences of immigrants, nurturing connections that transcend stereotypes and fears. Community events, educational programs, and storytelling initiatives can help break down barriers and build relationships that challenge negative narratives.
By humanizing the immigrant experience, we can cultivate a culture of understanding that rejects the simplistic us vs. them mentality. This shift in perception is important for creating a more inclusive society where everyone is valued and recognized for their contributions.
The Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) create an additional hurdle people must now overcome to even begin fixing our immigration issues.
Advocating for fair immigration policies is the next step in combating demonization. This can involve supporting policies that prioritize family reunification, pathways to citizenship, and protections for vulnerable populations. Engaging in advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels can help amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized in policy discussions.
In addition, creating coalitions that include immigrants, allies, and advocacy groups can strengthen efforts to challenge discriminatory policies and practices. By working together, communities can form a united front that demands justice and fairness in immigration policy.
We’ve seen this concept in action recently in videos showing a group of people from a neighborhood coming together to push ICE out of their community or a rapid response in the form of a community protest outside an ICE detention center after a local student was arrested and taken away by ICE.
Community dialogue is essential for addressing misconceptions and promoting understanding. Creating spaces where individuals can come together to discuss their experiences and perspectives helps to create an environment of openness and learning. These conversations can help dispel myths, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more nuanced understanding of immigration issues.
Facilitating forums, workshops, and community events can encourage dialogue that is inclusive and respectful, allowing for diverse voices to be heard. By prioritizing communication, communities can pave the way for a more informed and compassionate approach to immigration.
Reflecting on Our History
The history of immigrant demonization serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of fear-driven narratives. By reflecting on past injustices, we can better understand the present and work towards a future that values empathy and understanding. Recognizing the contributions of immigrants to society is essential in creating a culture of inclusivity that rejects the cycle of demonization.
As we live through the complexities of immigration today, it’s important that we challenge the narratives that seek to divide and dehumanize. By promoting empathy and advocating for fair policies, we can create a more just society for everyone, regardless of their background or immigration status.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each of us to advocate for change and promote understanding within our communities. By engaging in conversation, supporting fair policies, and standing in solidarity with immigrants, we can help dismantle the structures of fear and division that have persisted throughout history.
Let’s move forward with the knowledge that our collective humanity unites us, and that focusing on compassion and inclusivity is not just beneficial, but necessary for a thriving society.
#RESIST
