Trump Or Biden: How Their Campaign Promises Affect Nigerians

With an estimated 380,785 Nigerians residing in America as of 2016, and with more seeking to migrate to the country in search of greener pastures, it is no surprise that many Nigerians are following the ongoing U.S. elections with keen interest.

The anxiety is split between those who support Republican’s President Donald Trump and those for his Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

Immigration, education and healthcare policies of each of the candidates are no doubt on the minds of some Nigerians who are following the ongoing poll.

There are people who oppose or support either of the candidates based on their stance on LGBT rights. There are also those who oppose Trump for his statements about Islam and its faithful, as well as his administration’s activities in the Muslim dominated Middle East.

A poll conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had shown that 71% the Muslim community oppose Trump and support Biden.

But the Trump administration’s tightening of immigration laws and its addition of Nigeria to a list of countries whose residents face travel restrictions into America, are no doubt of interest to all and sundry.

Trump’s And Biden’s Plans On Immigration

Trump’s immigration policy, as seen on the White House website, is based on a system “that serves the national interest”

It says, “President Trump is committed to constructing a border wall and ensuring the swift removal of unlawful entrants. To protect American workers, the President supports ending chain migration, eliminating the Visa Lottery, and moving the country to a merit-based entry system. These reforms will advance the safety and prosperity of all Americans while helping new citizens assimilate and flourish.”

Trump had promised that if re-elected, he would limit asylum grants, expand travel ban with tougher screening for visa applicants, and impose new limits on work visas.

On the other hand, Biden promised to, “Immediately reverse the Trump Administration’s cruel and senseless policies that separate parents from their children at our border.”

The Democratic candidate also promised to expand opportunities for legal immigration, including family and work-based visas, and humanitarian visa programmes.

A statement on his website reads: “It is a moral failing and a national shame…. when President Trump uses family separation as a weapon against desperate mothers, fathers, and children seeking safety and a better life. When he threatens massive raids that would break up families who have been in this country for years and targets people at sensitive locations like hospitals and schools. When children die while in custody due to lack of adequate care. Trump has waged an unrelenting assault on our values and our history as a nation of immigrants. It’s wrong, and it stops when Joe Biden is elected president.”