When President Donald Trump was elected to office in 2024, many U.S. immigrants and those planning to move to the United States knew what to expect. His campaign strongly emphasised the effects of mass and illegal immigration and promised to crack down on it. He delivered on his manifesto and made significant changes to the country’s immigration policy in his first year.
Immigration experts reported increased scepticism among in-demand workers planning to move out of the U.S., with many exploring pathways, such as the UK Skilled Worker visa. For them, the UK also provides rewarding employment and residency opportunities for skilled workers and has a more accommodating immigration policy.
U.S. citizens who oppose President Trump’s policies are also seeking to leave the country, leading to increased interest in services focused on obtaining UK residency for American citizens.
This article discusses the first-year impact of Trump’s immigration policy on skilled workers while also highlighting the role played by mass deportation.
Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa allows holders to work eligible jobs for a certified employer in the UK. The specific requirements depend on the job type, but generally, applicants must have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from their employer, work in an eligible occupation, earn at least the minimum income, and meet English Language proficiency requirements.
The Skilled Worker visa permits holders to work in the UK for up to 5 years. They can extend it as many times as possible, provided they continue to meet the requirements. After five years on a Skilled Worker visa, holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
The Skilled Worker visa application is online, and it takes about three weeks to receive a decision. Applicants can bring their partner and children as dependents on the visa.
Some essential documents an applicant will need for the visa application include:
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number
- English proficiency test results
- A valid passport or other identity documents
- Documents indicating job title and annual salary
- Employer details
- Bank statements to prove that the applicant has enough personal savings to support themself in the UK
- Birth or marriage certificates, or other evidence of relationship to a partner and children, if applicable
- A criminal record certificate (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis test results, depending on the country they are applying from
- A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if applicable
Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policy on Skilled Worker Migration
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2024, foreign-born workers make up around 19.2% of the U.S. labor force, making them a sizeable part of the US’s skilled and low-skilled workforce.
However, President Trump’s immigration policies have reduced the size of the immigrant workforce, leaving many employers unable to replace them. Skilled workers who are not deported or rendered ineligible to work in the U.S. are seeking departure options, mainly due to uncertainty about their future.
For many of these workers, the UK is an alternative due to its economic opportunities. Also, the language and cultural similarities mean they can quickly settle in. While the UK has implemented policies to curb illegal immigration, it does not deport immigrants in large numbers. Also, its policies towards skilled workers in roles critical to the UK’s economy, such as health and tech, are welcoming.
Escalation of Deportations and Enforcement Actions
The increased role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is one of the most significant talking points of President Donald Trump’s first year of his second term. ICE agents have deported people in larger numbers than usual, with BBC News reporting a case of nearly 1,000 arrests made in a day in January. However, the theatrics and brutality of the arrests are another talking point, as agents have been reported to operate recklessly.
ICE’s raids are also complemented by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) increased efforts to deport more illegal aliens. According to a report released in late October, the DHS has deported over 527,000 individuals living illegally in the US, intending to reach 600,000 deportations by the end of the year.
At the current rate, over 2 million people may be deported by President Trump by the end of his tenure. By comparison, President Biden deported 1.5 million people during his four years in office.
The increased rate of deportations is exacerbated by the Trump administration’s exploitation of legal loopholes. For example, expedited deportations were once limited to areas within 100 km of the U.S border. Also, only those without asylum or a legitimate claim to it can be deported. However, President Trump’s deportation policy in his first year removed these limitations and made it easier to deport immigrants.
Social, Economic, and Political Impacts of These Diverging Trends
President Trump’s strict immigration policies in the first year of his second term have had both positive and negative effects. For one, the policies have reduced illegal border crossings through tightened border security. However, the bulk of public opinion is against the policies’ negative social, economic, and political impacts.
His tighter restrictions on the admission of refugees have stranded many in the U.S. Deported asylum seekers might face an uncertain fate in their home country, considering that they might be victims of persecution.
Many experts have projected the general immigration policies to have adverse economic impacts. The USA, which has thrived on immigration, may risk failing to attract the talent it needs in critical fields. The mass deportation of low-skilled individuals might even leave a vacuum that is challenging for employers to fill.
Immigrants in integral roles may leave the U.S. due to uncertainty over their future. Those considering migrating to the U.S. may explore other options.
There is also the legality of the frequent immigration raids, which are often done in an unorthodox manner. Human rights organisations have recorded cases of unlawful arrests and deportations, which usually result in the violation of fundamental human rights and families being torn apart.
Conclusion
President Trump’s immigration policies have had an impact on immigrants globally. Those who intend to migrate to the U.S. are exploring other options, including the UK Skilled Worker visa. While current statistics suggest a minimal spike in total Skilled Worker visa applications following President Trump’s immigration changes, experts are confident of an increase, especially considering that the Trump administration continues to double down on its hardline policies.
Amid this tense, uncertain situation, immigrants are advised to consult a qualified U.S. immigration lawyer who can provide expert legal advice and help explore viable alternatives.