The Power of Voice: Immigration, Youth, and the 2024 Election

Immigration was one of the most urgent and defining issues of the 2024 election. Immigration impacts the families, classrooms, and communities we live in; That’s why we’re paying close attention to conversations like the recent panel, Immigration at the Ballot Box, part of Heinz College’s Trillion Dollar Question series. Featuring professors Brian Kovak, Filiz Garip, and Sabi Ardalan, and moderated by New York Times journalist Hamed Aleaziz, the panel explored the complex ways immigration policy affects the economy and communities across the country. It also emphasized what we see every day: immigration isn’t an abstract issue—it’s about people, survival, and belonging.

While these conversations happen at the national level, harmful policies continue to take root. We’re seeing an escalation of attacks on immigrant children through both state and federal proposals. One of the most alarming is H.R. 32, the “No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act,” which would allow the president to withhold essential federal funding from cities that support undocumented immigrants. If passed, this bill could severely damage communities that rely on these funds for basic services like healthcare, housing, and education. At the same time, the Trump administration has revived an outdated registration law, requiring immigrants who entered without a visa to register with the government and carry proof with them at all times. This resurrected policy isn’t just unnecessary—it’s dangerous. It opens the door for criminal prosecution based on paperwork and forces families already living in fear into impossible decisions about safety and survival.

Despite these harsh measures, immigrants continue to contribute enormously to the fabric of American life. As the Trillion Dollar Question panel highlighted, immigration fuels economic growth, fills labor gaps, and helps sustain critical programs like Social Security and Medicare. Immigrants pay billions in taxes, open businesses at high rates, and play key roles in nearly every sector. In fact, data from the American Immigration Council shows how immigrant households inject trillions into the economy and help power the housing market. The evidence is clear: immigrants are not a burden—they are essential to the strength and vitality of this country.

This election, we can’t afford to stay silent. As youth, we must raise our voices through film, storytelling, and civic engagement. We must call on our communities to reject harmful legislation like H.R. 32 and push for compassionate, informed immigration policies. We must vote, advocate, and share the stories that often go unheard. At Reel Voices, we believe storytelling is a tool for resistance and truth. In 2024, that truth must be louder than ever.