Trump’s Rhetoric & Lies: Birtherism, Immigration Scapegoating, and LGBTQ Backlash
We were taught that America is the land of opportunity. But dig deeper, and a darker truth emerges—land stolen, people dehumanized, rights denied. That thread runs through Trump’s birther conspiracy, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and recent attacks on Trans Texans. It’s all driven by a belief that some people don’t belong. And it’s harming all of us.
The Birther Lie
From 2011 to 2016, Trump falsely claimed President Obama was born in Kenya—not Hawaii—even after the long-form birth certificate was released. He never apologized. Later, he suggested Kamala Harris and Nikki Haley weren’t truly American. The message was clear: Brown and Black leaders don’t belong. Michelle Obama called it “unforgivable.”
Immigration Invasion: Dehumanizing Rhetoric, Real Consequences
In 2015, Trump called Mexican immigrants “rapists,” “criminals,” “animals,” and accused them of “poisoning” the country—echoing Nazi-like purity language. This rhetoric was linked directly to the 2019 El Paso massacre, where the shooter cited a “Hispanic invasion” and said Trump’s language inspired him.
Since January 2025: A New Wave of Attacks
- A massive increase in enforcement funds—nearly $178 billion—has led to ICE raids in schools, churches, and homes. More deportations, even of legal workers, are underway.
- Over 200,000 migrants deported so far in 2025—some sent to prisons in El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, raising alarm among legal experts about authoritarian overreach.
- ICE has detained many individuals without criminal records—fewer than 10% had violent crime convictions, contradicting claims they targeted only “dangerous criminals.”
The Truth: Immigrants Build America
| Fact | Data & Insight |
|---|---|
| Immigrant contribution to GDP (2021) | $3.3 trillion (~17%) |
| Taxes paid by immigrants annually | ~$579 billion |
| Workforce growth from immigrants | 75% of prime-age growth |
| Texas immigrant population | 17%; vital economic force |
| Undocumented in low-wage jobs | ~25% of Texas construction |
| Wage theft & workplace injuries | Twice the risk for immigrants () |
| Undocumented crime rates | Half that of native-born Texans |
These aren’t just numbers—they represent communities, homes, and contributions. Most Latino immigrants aren’t career criminals—they’re construction workers, caregivers, and farmhands. Yet they’re constantly portrayed as threats.
False Claims Debunked
- Despite claims of “migrant crime waves,” studies repeatedly show undocumented immigrants commit significantly less crime than U.S.-born citizens.
- Trump claimed “millions” of undocumented immigrants had criminal records—but under 1% of deported immigrants were convicted of non-immigration offenses.
- He argued they cost taxpayers, but undocumented immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits, and they help fund Social Security and Medicare.
How Workers Are Abused
Many undocumented immigrants work in construction, agriculture, hospitality, and care, always on the edge. Texas alone has around 300,000 undocumented construction workers, often paid below minimum wage, misclassified as contractors, denied overtime, or threatened with ICE if they complain. Day laborers and farmworkers also face wage theft and unsafe conditions: immigrants suffer twice as many workplace injuries and fatalities compared to citizens.
Racism, Land, and History
Texas was Mexico until 1836—it became part of the U.S. through war and the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty, which stripped Mexico of 55% of its land. Indigenous communities lost nearly 99% of their ancestral land through forced removal and broken promises. Telling immigrants to “go back” erases these histories, and the fact that some families never left their land—it left them.
LGBTQ & Immigrant Rights: One Shared Fight
Texas, home to the second-largest LGBTQ population in America, has recently passed over 140 anti-LGBTQ bills. Trans immigrants face double vulnerability—targeted twice over by xenophobia and transphobia.
We don’t seek special treatment; we demand equal rights, protection, and dignity. When immigrants are dehumanized, everybody loses—including our LGBTQ and trans communities.
Taking Action: Texans, It Starts With You
- Speak truth, not fear. Share data and stories—not myths.
- Have tough conversations with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Support humane policy. Push for labor protections, due process, and immigrant pathways.
- Stand with organizations that uplift immigrant and LGBTQ communities.
- Vote in every election. From school boards to national offices, who we elect matters.
Anti-Racism Is Our Foundation
Anti-racism is more than opposing hate—it’s recognizing how structures and laws devalue people based on race, origin, or identity. Like LGBTQ solidarity, it’s essential to a just society.
Final Word: Choose Belonging
America’s promise of equality isn’t automatic—it’s a daily choice. And that choice must be courage over comfort, empathy over hate, unity over division.
Speak up. Stand tall. Show that every person—no matter where they are from or who they love—deserves dignity, respect, and a safe place at the table.