Reflection of power and exclusion on Trump’s immigration policy – Firstpost

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is often celebrated for its intricate portrayal of crime and power dynamics. However, beneath its dramatic narrative lies a profound exploration of the immigrant experience in America—a tale of relentless pursuit of the ‘American Dream’ amidst systemic discrimination and societal hostility. This narrative finds unsettling parallels in contemporary politics, particularly in the context of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which have been characterised by exclusionary measures and divisive rhetoric.

The Corleone Family: A Microcosm of the Immigrant Struggle

The Corleone family’s journey in The Godfather mirrors the broader challenges faced by many immigrant communities. As Italian-American immigrants, they confront systemic barriers and societal prejudice, which compels them to resort to organised crime to secure power and protect their own. Their struggle for legitimacy and security reflects the experiences of countless immigrant groups in the US, from the Irish and Jewish immigrants of the early 20th century to today’s Muslim, Latino, and African migrants.

The discrimination faced by Italian-Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was not unlike the xenophobia directed toward contemporary immigrant communities. Stereotyped as criminals and second-class citizens, Italian immigrants were often met with hostility, leading many to seek alternative routes to success. Similarly, today’s immigrant communities navigate systemic challenges, from racial profiling to exploitative labour conditions, underscoring how deeply ingrained anti-immigrant sentiments remain in American society.

Trump’s Immigration Policies: A Modern Parallel

In his second term, President Donald Trump has intensified his focus on immigration, implementing a series of stringent measures to curb both illegal and legal immigration. These actions include declaring a national emergency at the southern border, deploying thousands of troops, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and attempting to end birthright citizenship. Additionally, the administration has shut down the CBP One app, which previously facilitated lawful asylum applications, leading to increased confusion and uncertainty among migrants.

Trump’s policies disproportionately target marginalised communities, reinforcing narratives that portray Muslims and Latinos as threats to national security. The “Muslim Ban”, one of his administration’s most controversial policies, sought to block entry from predominantly Muslim countries under the guise of national security. This approach echoes the historical scapegoating of Italian immigrants in The Godfather, where prejudice and institutional barriers force them into defensive survival tactics.

Beyond executive actions, Trump’s rhetoric has played a significant role in shaping public perception of immigrants. By labelling Mexican immigrants as “rapists” and “criminals,” he capitalised on xenophobic fears, much like past political movements that vilified Italians, Chinese, and other immigrant groups. His messaging has had lasting consequences, fuelling hate crimes and deepening social divisions.

Family, Unity, and Separation: The Cost of Anti-Immigrant Policies

A central theme in The Godfather is the importance of family unity and loyalty—values that resonate deeply with immigrant communities. In stark contrast, Trump’s immigration policies have often led to the forced separation of families, particularly through the enforcement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy and the zero-tolerance approach that resulted in thousands of children being taken from their parents at the US-Mexico border.

The lasting trauma inflicted upon these families cannot be understated. Reports from humanitarian organisations detail the psychological and emotional toll of these separations, particularly on children who were detained in overcrowded and poorly managed facilities. Many of these policies were justified under the guise of deterrence, but they ultimately functioned as mechanisms of dehumanisation.

The Politics of Power and Exclusion

The Godfather delves into the dynamics of power and corruption, illustrating how the Corleone family navigates a world where survival depends on political alliances and strategic manoeuvring. Similarly, Trump’s immigration policies have been shaped by political posturing, often portraying immigrants as threats to national security to rally support from his base. This exploitation of fear-based politics is not new—it has been a recurring feature in American history, from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Moreover, the current administration’s focus on mass deportations and border militarisation echoes historical efforts to restrict immigration under the pretext of economic protectionism. Trump’s plans for large-scale deportations, reminiscent of Operation Wetback in the 1950s, highlight how exclusionary immigration policies have long been used as tools of political control.

Immigration and Economic Realities

Beyond the moral and ethical implications of Trump’s policies, it is crucial to consider the economic consequences of restricting immigration. The US economy has historically relied on immigrant labour, particularly in industries such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. Data from the National Immigration Forum indicates that immigrant workers contribute billions to the US economy annually, filling labour shortages and sustaining critical industries.

Yet, despite these contributions, Trump’s policies have created an environment of fear and instability for immigrant communities. The reduction of H-1B visas, the suspension of the Diversity Visa Lottery, and increased workplace raids have disrupted businesses and labour markets. Ironically, many of the industries that have benefitted most from immigrant labour, including agriculture and technology, have also suffered under the weight of these restrictions.

Reimagining the American Dream

The struggles of the Corleone family powerfully remind us of the resilience of immigrant communities in the face of adversity. Their journey reflects a broader truth about the immigrant experience: the pursuit of belonging is often fraught with challenges but also defined by determination and hope.

In the context of Trump’s presidency, the themes of The Godfather gain renewed relevance. Policies such as the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries and efforts to end birthright citizenship highlight the ongoing struggle for inclusion in a society grappling with issues of race, religion, and identity.

As America debates its future, The Godfather offers a timeless lens through which to examine the politics of immigration and exclusion. It challenges us to question the cost of divisive policies and rhetoric and to envision a society where the American Dream is accessible to all—regardless of heritage, faith, or nationality.

In conclusion, the narrative of The Godfather serves as a poignant reflection on the immigrant experience, highlighting the enduring struggles and aspirations of those seeking a better life in America. In juxtaposition, the recent immigration policies under President Trump underscore the persistent challenges and systemic barriers that continue to impede this pursuit. By examining these parallels, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and the need to uphold the values that define the American Dream.

Amal Chandra is an author, political analyst and columnist (Follow him on ‘X’ at @ens_socialis) and Prashanto Bagchi is an International Relations scholar at the JNU, New Delhi. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.