The Biden campaign and a pro-Trump super PAC have unveiled new advertisements that address immigration, a pivotal issue expected to significantly influence voter decisions in the upcoming November elections. These ads present starkly contrasting viewpoints on the topic, reflecting the deep divide between the political ideologies of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The Biden ad focuses on reaching Latino Americans, criticizing Trump’s harsh rhetoric on immigrants, suggesting that such language is anti-Latino, anti-immigrant, and fundamentally anti-American. This message, encapsulated in a 30-second spot, emerged from Biden’s recent campaign event in Phoenix and is being distributed across digital platforms in key battleground states, both in English and Spanish.
Conversely, the pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., released a shorter, 15-second advertisement that blames Biden for the chaos at the border, suggesting his policies have led to an increase in illegal immigration. This ad juxtaposes Biden’s statements against the backdrop of migrants pushing through border fences, aiming to reinforce the narrative that Biden’s administration has weakened border security. Both ads aim to resonate with voters’ concerns about immigration, an issue that ranks highly on the national agenda, with about 28% of Americans considering it the most significant problem facing the country, according to a recent Gallup survey.
A Critical Issue for Voters
Immigration remains a critical and divisive issue in American politics, with the latest advertisements from the Biden campaign and Trump’s PAC highlighting the contrasting approaches of the two political figures. A Gallup survey conducted in February revealed that immigration surged to the top of the list of concerns for Americans. This concern is reflected in the political strategies of both camps, with Trump holding a significant lead over Biden in polls concerning border security and immigration control. However, Biden has the advantage when it comes to treating immigrants humanely and protecting their rights, according to an NBC News poll.
The importance of immigration as an electoral issue was underscored last month when Biden and Trump made simultaneous visits to the southern border, each promoting their vision for America’s immigration policy. Biden’s call for bipartisan cooperation on a border bill contrasted with Trump’s portrayal of the situation as a “Joe Biden invasion.” These moments, along with the release of the new ads, set the stage for immigration to remain a hotly debated topic as the election draws nearer.