What will Trump’s policy be on Bangladeshi immigrants?

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States for a second term on January 20, with a stern stance against undocumented immigrants. In his inaugural speech, he declared, “America’s golden era begins today,” and emphasized his “America First” policy, vowing to restore sovereignty and security. He proclaimed, “We will become the envy of every nation. No one will exploit us anymore. Today marks the end of America’s decline. God has kept me alive to make America great again.”

Trump’s characteristic bluster was on full display, much like during his first term. While his rhetoric was fiery, America did not undergo a massive transformation during his first presidency, though conflicts were slightly reduced compared to the Obama era. In his speech, Trump criticized the Biden administration and announced, “I will sign historic directives today to begin rebuilding America.”

True to his earlier promise, Trump immediately began undoing Biden-era policies. Just hours before his inauguration, thousands of immigration appointments were canceled, as his administration scrapped the "CBP One" app, which facilitated border entry bookings. In his speech, Trump declared, “All illegal entry points will be urgently sealed. Millions of undocumented immigrants will be sent back to where they came from. My border policies to halt Mexican immigrants will be reinstated. The practice of catch-and-release will end, and troops will be deployed to secure the southern border.”

A Newsweek report revealed that despite the cancellation of the CBP One app, groups of migrants, including people from various countries, are stranded along Mexico’s southern border, hoping to cross into the U.S. These groups, comprising nearly 2,000 individuals, were turned back by border officials and are now seeking refuge in Mexican cities. Many plan to reattempt entry if U.S. policies change.

The Mexican government has divided these larger groups into smaller ones, leaving thousands of refugees wandering in uncertainty. For those already inside the U.S. as undocumented immigrants, fear and anxiety are high. Many recall the initial crackdown during Trump’s first term, which eventually eased. They hope this time will be similar, as Trump often tempers his initial threats.

Among the undocumented are a significant number of Bangladeshis who entered the U.S. via Mexico. Although Bangladesh has not been a major source of undocumented immigrants to the U.S., several thousand Bangladeshis are living there without legal status. Most overstayed tourist or student visas or stayed on through familial connections. Experts believe Trump and his ally Elon Musk, who advocates for skilled workers, are unlikely to target well-settled Bangladeshis. However, new undocumented entries, even via legal routes like tourist visas, may face stricter scrutiny.

Surprisingly, Trump’s inaugural address omitted mention of the Ukraine war, despite a Gaza ceasefire taking effect a day earlier. Instead, he focused on asserting U.S. dominance over the Panama Canal, accusing China of controlling it. Panama’s President, José Raúl Molino, immediately refuted Trump’s claim, emphasizing the canal’s neutrality.

Trump’s tone reflects a drive for global dominance. He also reaffirmed U.S. supremacy in space exploration, pledging that American astronauts would make historic achievements on Mars.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a known Democrat supporter, is concerned about Trump’s policies. In the past, Trump criticized Yunus for allegedly funding Democratic campaigns against him. After Trump’s first victory, a group of Bangladeshi-Americans congratulated him, prompting Trump to inquire about Yunus, whom he described as “that microcredit businessman who tried to defeat me.”

Following his election win, Trump tweeted about minority persecution in Bangladesh. The opposition Awami League is now using this narrative to their advantage. Former Deputy Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury Nawfel highlighted this in an interview with India’s The Hindu, stating that U.S.-Bangladesh relations now hinge on Trump’s stance toward Yunus. Nawfel also warned of rising Islamic extremism in Bangladesh, which Trump would likely oppose.

Given Trump’s strong rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, experts speculate U.S. policy toward Bangladesh will align with India’s interests. Trump’s strained relationship with Yunus could also influence U.S.-Bangladesh dynamics. However, U.S. policymaking often transcends the president’s personal inclinations, relying on think tanks and institutional frameworks.

Observers note that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government was partly due to U.S. influence. How Bangladesh’s interim government and future elected leaders navigate these geopolitical complexities remains a crucial question. Bangladesh finds itself caught in a strategic triangle between China, India, and the U.S., and its response will shape the nation’s future trajectory.

Sources: CNN, The Hindu, Newsweek, BBC Bengali