From TIME · Andrea R. Flores · · 3m
Democrats' chance to reshape immigration now
After 2026 midterms rebuked Trump's deportation agenda, Democrats have a window to pass their own immigration vision before 2028.
In brief
After 2026 midterms rebuked Trump's deportation agenda, Democrats have a window to pass their own immigration vision before 2028. Democrats won the 2026 midterms partly by opposing Trump's mass deportations. They must now pass their own immigration legislation or lose credibility by 2028. Originally reported by TIME.
Democrats win on immigration in 2026
The 2026 midterms rebuked Trump's mass deportation campaign. Latino voters who backed him in 2024 swung back to Democrats, helping elect Texas's first Democratic senator since 1988 and its first Latina governor.
Democrats sweep southern border races
Democrats won governorships in all four southern border states and every southern border congressional district. Voters wanted a secure border without Trump's aggressive enforcement tactics in their communities.
Trump doubles down on deportations
Trump responded to midterm losses by elevating Stephen Miller, the architect of mass deportations, to White House chief of staff. He walked back comments about negotiating an immigration deal with Democrats.
Democrats' window to act is now
Democrats have been given a chance to persuade voters they can offer a better alternative to Republicans on immigration. If they blow it, they may not get another one in 2028.
“If Democrats blow it, they may not get another one in 2028.”
Congress can slow deportations
Congress can use oversight to slow mass deportations.Immigration and Customs Enforcement received more than one hundred thirteen billion dollars in multi-year funding over two years.
Border governors must lead reform
The four newly elected Democratic governors along the southern border have an opportunity to rebuild trust now. They should develop a border security compact setting shared priorities for state-level operations, economic development, and asylum reform.
Prepare for future migration surges
Border governors must prepare for another migration surge after Trump leaves office.Four years of restrictive policies and cruel enforcement could create pent-up demand for migration.
Pass the American Dream Act
Democrats should pass the American Dream and Promise Act, creating a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship for Dreamers and hundreds of thousands of Temporary Protected Status holders who have lived and worked in the…
Link immigration to economic needs
Democrats should argue that legalizing undocumented immigrants can solve problems Americans experience daily, from worker shortages in home building to rising child care costs.
Vasquez shows the way forward
Representative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico introduced the Careworker Visa Act, creating new visas for careworkers while allowing eligible undocumented workers already in the United States to obtain legal status.
Introduce bills sector by sector
Democrats should introduce legislation tailored to their states and districts: legal status for military families, construction workers, rural hospital staff.Put each proposal before Congress and ask Republicans to sign on.
Give Trump legislation to sign
Democrats don't need a comprehensive bill solving everything at once.If Trump is serious about reconsidering his policies, give him legislation to sign.
The headline
Democrats won the 2026 midterms partly by opposing Trump's mass deportations. They must now pass their own immigration legislation or lose credibility by 2028.
