Policy and Populism: How Immigration Proved To Be a Winning Issue in the US and UK

Abstract

In 2016, the United Kingdom first shocked the world with its decision to leave the European Union. Less than five months later, the United States again defied political norms and elected Donald Trump as President. This paper explores the movements and policies that created this historic change.

I hypothesize that the combination of populism and focus on immigration policy precipitated the change that defied all political logic. Populism, plainly defined as relating to the concerns of ordinary people, has been characterized on both sides of the political spectrum by the rise of political outsiders. These outsiders use their persuasion and platform to hasten the policy change that the electorate seeks.

Based on polling and political instincts, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage foresaw the issues with immigration policy as being a growing point of frustration in both the US and UK. These tensions came to a boiling point with the Great Recession as citizens blamed immigrants for a fading jobs market. They pointed frustration at their politicians who did nothing to prevent their concerns. Thus, voters ultimately elected for rapid change at the ballot box. This paper will use a series of studies, primary quotations, and scholarly evaluations to come to this conclusion.

Populism is not a movement characterized by racism or nativist fears – although these elements may exist. At its core, populism is about self-interest and fighting for what one may perceive as right and just. Right-wing populism will continue to see frustration regarding immigration policy until some type of comprehensive reform is passed. Based on public opinion polls and the history of immigration policy, a merit-based system of entrance may be the most popular solution. On the left, populism will also maintain influence in areas such as finance and corporate greed. In the end, an effective policy advocate must understand this movement and adapt to the call for change in order to successfully proceed with necessary policy reforms.