The November national elections for the United States presidency is just a few weeks away, and polls are very close at this time, with some polls favoring Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and some favoring Republican candidate Donald Trump. At this point in time, it seems that there would be no clear runaway winner, and the whole world will have to wait until after November 8th to find out who will be the 45th president of the United States.

One of the major topics in this election is the issue of immigration, which is an area wherein both candidates differ greatly. Trump is in favor of an aggressive response regarding illegal immigration while Clinton offers a softer stance that values keeping immigrant families together. Let us take a look at the possible scenario that would most likely occur should Trump win the presidency.

Pathway to citizenship

Trump said he opposes any pathway that will grant legal status to illegal immigrants currently in the US. According to him, the illegal immigrants would have to return to their home countries and have to go through the legal process if they wish to come into the US. If they don’t return, Trump has said he will deport them.

If Trump enforces this policy strictly, it will mean a mass deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. These immigrants are mostly entrenched in American society and are contributing to the economy through their jobs and other means. A mass deportation would have a serious effect on the US economy.

Border wall

Clinton prefers adding more border agents and using technology to secure the border, while Trump plans to build a massive wall across the whole border between the US and Mexico. Trump has also said that Mexico will pay for the construction of the wall, which would cost an estimated few billions of dollars.

Mexico is not likely to take out any money for the construction of a border, which would mean that American taxpayers’ money will be used to fund this ambitious project of Trump. Doing so will cost the US billions of dollars, a lot of time, and a lot of laborers.

Government assistance

Trump has said that illegal immigrants would have zero access to government benefits, including housing assistance, welfare payments, food stamps, and health care. Those that attempt to avail of these benefits would be deported, according to the Republican candidate.

American citizens and legal immigrants would then have access to more of these benefits as a result. As for the illegal immigrants, they would either have to choose whether to be deported or continue living life but without any government assistance, which would be very difficult.

Deportation

It is estimated that there are about 11 million immigrants currently living in the United States. Trump has said that illegal immigrants who are threats to national security would be forcibly removed and deported, as well as those who have overstayed their visas, which is estimated to be around 5 million in number.

Similar to the point above, removal of millions of immigrants which are firmly entrenched in American society would have a major impact economically and socially.

The best way to go into the United States is through legal means, regardless of who emerges victorious in the upcoming election. For potential immigrants or those thinking about doing so, make sure to talk to a highly qualified immigration attorney or law office, as there was an incident in the past of a San Diego green card lawyer failing to perform his legal obligations, thereby putting his clients at risk.