Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona recently shared his thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies, attributing part of the blame to Latin American leaders for the challenges faced by those who are forced to migrate in search of a better life. During the launch of his new album "Seco" in Miami, Florida, Arjona expressed that Trump is "mistreating our undocumented people," but he reserved his strongest criticism for Latin American governments.
"We need to start questioning the responsibility of those dishonest leaders of ours, who have allowed our people to endure humiliation elsewhere," he stated. Arjona added, "All those corrupt leaders who steal everything and let these things happen." He also addressed the issue through his song "Mojado," which delves into the complexities and struggles of migration.
Arjona's Musical Journey: Poetry in Song
Born on January 19, 1964, in Jocotenango, Ricardo Arjona has crafted a career celebrated for turning everyday experiences into unforgettable lyrics. His unique ability to convey emotions and tell stories through his songs has made him one of the most influential Latin music artists. Over the years, despite facing critics, he has explored various musical genres while maintaining the core of his songwriting—social critique, love, and introspection with undeniable depth.
Trump's Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny
Since returning to the presidency in January 2025, Donald Trump has enacted several policies that have ramped up actions against immigrants in the United States. In the early days of his term, he directed immigration agencies to significantly increase deportations and arrests. Border agents were instructed to swiftly turn away migrants crossing the border illegally. Furthermore, he discontinued the use of the CBP One app, previously used for scheduling border crossings; terminated the humanitarian "parole" program; and indefinitely paused the refugee admission program, impacting countries like Ukraine and Afghanistan, and denying entry to 22,000 individuals previously approved through required vetting procedures.
Trump also aims to reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. Additionally, he has deployed military personnel to the border, ordered the resumption of border wall construction, and plans to send up to 30,000 deported individuals to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. He has also attempted to revoke birthright citizenship through executive orders, although these efforts face legal challenges and have been blocked by the courts for being deemed unconstitutional.
Understanding Arjona's Critique of Immigration Policies
What is Ricardo Arjona's opinion on Trump's immigration policies?
Ricardo Arjona believes that Trump's immigration policies are unfair to undocumented individuals and places some of the blame on corrupt Latin American leaders for forcing people to migrate.
How has Donald Trump changed immigration policies since 2025?
Since 2025, Trump has increased deportations and arrests, ended certain immigration programs, and implemented stricter border control measures, including a plan to reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy.
What actions has Trump taken regarding birthright citizenship?
Trump has tried to eliminate birthright citizenship through executive orders, but these actions have faced legal obstacles and been blocked by courts as unconstitutional.