As Election Day Approaches, Republicans Unleash Multimillion-Dollar Assault on Immigration

As the November elections draw near, Republican candidates are unleashing significant financial resources to amplify anti-immigrant sentiments. An analysis reveals that over $37 million was spent on related television ads in July alone, bringing the total for the year to more than $117 million. This contrasts sharply with the $15 million allocated by Democrats for similar messaging, according to AdImpact, a company that tracks such spending.

The GOP’s focus is on themes such as crime, border security, and a supposed surge in undocumented migration. Key terms like “border,” “crime,” and “fentanyl” frequently appear in these advertisements, suggesting a direct association between immigration and increasing safety concerns. Ads criticize figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging failures to manage border security, while others position former President Trump as the sole candidate capable of reversing what they characterize as an immigration crisis.

Travis Ridout, co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, indicates that Republicans are banking on immigration as an emotionally charged issue that resonates with voters, particularly in regions where perceptions of border chaos prevail. However, he warns that while immigration is a longstanding issue, it may not currently hold the same weight as more immediate concerns, such as inflation and healthcare. Evidence suggests that issues like the economy continue to dominate voter attention, according to a recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll.

Despite their focus on immigration, Democrats have been relatively muted on the topic. Ridout notes that this might be a strategic choice to prioritize traditionally liberal concerns. However, Harris has started to adjust her approach, emphasizing her record on border issues and her initiatives against fentanyl trafficking. She recently released an ad spotlighting her achievements as a prosecutor in California, touting her tough stance on drug cartels and her support for enhanced border security measures.

As the election nears, Democrats seem to be shifting their messaging on immigration. Beatriz Lopez from the Immigration Hub notes that this pivot parallels a growing recognition among Democratic leaders of the need to articulate their own stance on immigration reform, particularly regarding pathways to citizenship for undocumented individuals.

The GOP’s advertising strategy appears aimed at defining the party’s narrative on immigration in critical swing states such as Arizona and Nevada. Jeremy Hughes, a Republican strategist, underscores the party’s belief in immigration’s potential to sway these voters. Importantly, while the GOP frames immigration as a law-and-order issue, studies indicate that native-born citizens are more likely than undocumented immigrants to face arrest for violent and property crimes, complicating the narrative being promoted by Republican ads.

With the stakes high, both parties are rapidly adjusting their tactics as they head toward the election. While Republicans intensify their focus on immigration, Democrats must counteract these narratives by clearly communicating their vision for comprehensive immigration reform. The outcome could have significant implications for voter turnout and preferences in the upcoming presidential race.