The 2024 U.S. presidential election presents a stark choice for voters when it comes to immigration. As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump prepare to face off, their approaches to immigration couldn’t be more different. The outcome of this election will have profound implications for the country and for states like Maine, where industries depend on immigrant labor.

Vice President Harris has long advocated for inclusive immigration policies, supporting legal protections for undocumented immigrants, refugee resettlement and expanding pathways for legal immigration. If elected, Harris would likely pursue comprehensive immigration reform to make beneficiaries of programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status permanent residents and increase visa allocations for sectors critical to the U.S. economy. Her administration would likely create a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants who contribute to American society but live in fear of deportation.

Former President Trump, by contrast, is expected to double down on the hardline immigration policies of his presidency. He has pushed for stricter border controls, limiting asylum claims and reducing legal immigration. His 2024 platform is likely to continue these “America first” policies, prioritizing jobs for U.S. citizens. While this appeals to some voters, it poses significant challenges for states like Maine, where industries face workforce shortages.

Immigration policy has direct implications for Maine’s economy. Agriculture, hospitality and seafood processing industries rely on foreign labor, especially during peak seasons. Maine has faced labor shortages in these sectors, making it difficult for businesses to meet demand.

A Harris administration would likely expand visa programs like H-2A (agricultural) and H-2B (non-agricultural) to address these shortages. Blueberry farming, lobster fishing and potato harvesting depend on seasonal workers. Expanding these visa programs would help ensure Maine employers can meet labor needs, while Harris’ policies would offer legal protections for immigrant workers, creating a more stable workforce.

In contrast, a second Trump administration would likely restrict these visa programs or impose stricter conditions. Trump’s focus on curbing immigration could leave businesses struggling to find enough seasonal workers. This could drive up costs, reduce operations or increase wages – challenges that small businesses may find difficult to manage.

Labor shortages would ripple through Maine’s economy, potentially raising prices for consumers and slowing growth. Maine’s reliance on immigrant labor makes this election critical for its economic future.

Border security remains a hot-button issue in the immigration debate. Trump has made it clear that, if reelected, he plans to resume construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall and ramp up deportation efforts. His administration would likely expand the powers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, focusing on preventing asylum seekers entering through the southern border  and deporting undocumented immigrants.

In contrast, Harris would likely balance border security with humane treatment of immigrants. Her administration would invest in resources to better manage the southern border while addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. She would also prioritize expanding legal immigration pathways, promoting orderly migration through work and family visas.

The election’s outcome will also affect the U.S.’ global humanitarian role. A Harris administration would likely expand refugee admissions, offering protection to individuals fleeing war, persecution and natural disasters. For Maine, which has a tradition of welcoming refugees, this could mean increased resettlements, helping address labor shortages and enriching local communities.

A Trump administration, on the other hand, would likely further restrict refugee and asylum admissions, reducing the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. This would notably affect Maine, where refugee resettlement has historically supported economic and workforce growth. Limiting refugee admissions would deprive our communities of much-needed contributions.

For Maine, the 2024 election is not just about differing immigration philosophies – it’s about the state’s economic future. Vice President Kamala Harris’ policies offer a path toward stabilizing Maine’s workforce and expanding refugee resettlement. In contrast, former President Donald Trump’s policies could exacerbate labor shortages and hinder the state’s ability to attract new workers.

As the election nears, Maine voters should consider how immigration policies will affect our state. Will industries have the labor they need to thrive? Will Maine continue to welcome refugees and immigrants who contribute to the local economy? These questions are crucial as Maine heads into an election that could reshape its future.