2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Implications for NJ Immigrant Populations

Only a week since the 2025 United States Inauguration has been aggressive, confusing, and frustrating for most Americans witnessing the attacks on human and civil rights. Analysts are predicting major policy changes will be delayed due to the recent shift in political ideology and practices shaping the Senate and the White House this January.

Bills and policies passed, repealed, or vetoed by the new administration could result in inequitable access to needed services and resources for marginalized groups, including recent Haitian immigrants in New Jersey.

To inform and advocate about the aftermath of the recent elections and evolving federal policies, this research brief by Lakay Acces Sante Inc. frames the policies of programs and services that directly impact the well-being and societal contributions of arrived Haitian immigrants.

2016 TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

Trump's administration has a record of policy changes that have significant impacts on U.S. and international populations. His administration is historically conservative, with restrictions more on social services than corporate tax cuts. There were policy changes that impacted healthcare coverage for thousands of lawful immigrants and a disorganized, ineffective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected millions of people in the United States.

POLICY CHANGES TO LOOK OUT FOR

U.S. humanitarian immigration and social service programs are predicted to have changes in eligibility and requirements for approval of services. Reduced access to services that support security and health will have significant impacts on the large Haitian immigrant population in NJ who have enriched the culture and economy of the state.

IMMIGRATION POLICY

The Trump Administration has voiced intention to revoke and reduce eligibility for immigrants living in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), once again. Having previously ended the program in 2020, it is predicted that eligibility and restrictions will become more nuanced in Trump's second term. If TPS ended or was not extended for certain countries, recipients would lose their ability to work legally in the U.S., placing them at risk of being deported back to hostile conditions in their home countries.

HEALTH POLICY

The Trump Administration is predicted to reduce funding for Community Health Centers, and introduce restrictions for eligibility and access to Medicaid and CHIP health programs. More specifically, the administration will again pursue a policy that will indicate Medicaid and CHIP benefits as "public charges," reducing coverage rates for many current recipients.

FOOD POLICY

Different levels of the food and farm industry will be affected in this new Trump era. Factors from the predicted mass deportation of essential farm workers to restriction to access food assistance programs, including SNAP and WIC. The administration will lead to less compliance with USDA food safety and anti-discrimination policies, higher costs on food prices, and removal of sustainable climate preservation strategies.

TAKING ACTION

• ADVOCATE for the introduction and passing of immigration policies and bills that lead to TPS recipient protection, and a clear path to citizenship. Contact Congress today. Ask them to pass humane immigration policies that would create a roadmap to citizenship for TPS holders and all immigrants.
• PROMOTE the passing of equitable practices and policies that end discrimination and do not undermine investments to humanitarian and social service programs.
• EDUCATE yourself and your community about your rights, the policies that affect you, and the resources available to you. Knowledge is power.
• CONNECT with local organizations and community groups that are advocating for immigrant rights and health equity.

This research brief was prepared by Lakay Acces Sante Inc. to inform and advocate for Haitian immigrant communities in New Jersey.