Framing Immigration Reform and Border Security |1
Introduction
Immigration reform and border security in the USA have been contentious topics, drawing
intense debate and divergent viewpoints, especially between January and February 2024. This period
witnessed significant legislative efforts, border policy debates, and public discourse reflecting various
narratives and framings by left-leaning and right-leaning media outlets. Understanding these
narratives is crucial, as they significantly influence public perception and policy outcomes. This paper
examines how these topics are framed by different media, the methods employed to select sources,
the observed patterns, and their broader implications on narrative construction and public policy.
Framing Immigration Reform and Border Security |2
Narrative framing plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and policy directions. The way
stories are told, the aspects that are highlighted or omitted, and the language used can significantly
influence how issues are perceived and understood by the public. The analysis of these narratives,
therefore, not only reveals the biases and inclinations of various media outlets but also sheds light on
the complex dynamics of immigration policy debates in the United States.
Methods
To conduct a comprehensive analysis, a structured approach was adopted to select relevant
articles from both left-leaning and right-leaning media outlets published between January and
February 2024. This time frame was chosen due to its proximity to key legislative discussions and
actions on immigration reform and border security. A total of 10 articles were identified for analysis,
with equal representation from both perspectives to ensure a balanced view.
The selection process involved identifying media outlets with clear political leanings, as indicated
by their editorial stance and the content of their reporting. Articles were chosen based on their
relevance to the topic, the depth of analysis provided, and their potential to illustrate distinct narrative
framing techniques. This method ensures a comprehensive overview of the discourse surrounding
immigration reform and border security during the specified period.
Results
The analysis revealed distinct framing patterns between left-leaning and right-leaning media
outlets. Left-leaning sources tend to emphasize humanitarian concerns, the benefits of immigration,
and the need for comprehensive reform that includes pathways to citizenship. They often frame the
issue in terms of rights, equity, and the historical contributions of immigrants to American society. In
contrast, right-leaning sources focus on legal and security concerns, the importance of enforcing
Framing Immigration Reform and Border Security |3
existing laws, and the potential risks associated with illegal immigration, including crime and
economic impact.
For instance, left-leaning sources like VOA News and The Texas Tribune highlight legislative
efforts to address border security while ensuring the protection of asylum seekers' rights. Right-
leaning sources, such as The Federalist, emphasize state actions against what they describe as federal
inaction, showcasing a narrative of self-defense against an "invasion."
Conclusion
The divergent framing by left-leaning and right-leaning media reflects deeper ideological divides
regarding immigration reform and border security in the USA. These narratives not only inform
public opinion but also influence policy directions, underscoring the power of media in shaping
political discourse. Recognizing these framing techniques is crucial for critically engaging with news
media and fostering a more nuanced understanding of complex policy issues.
The implications of this analysis extend beyond immigration policy, highlighting the broader
effects of narrative framing on democratic discourse. It highlights the need for media literacy and
critical engagement by the public to navigate the complexities of political narratives and their impact
on policy and society.
References
Gypson, K. (2024, January 9). US Lawmakers Back in Session, Working on Border Security, Ukraine
Aid. VOA News. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.voanews.com/a/us-lawmakers-back-
in-session-working-on-border-security-ukraine-aid/7433213.html
Singh, S. (2024, January 13). Senate Immigration Deal: Border Security and Changes to Catch-and-
Release Policy. VisaVerge - Immigration Portal - VisaVerge. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
Framing Immigration Reform and Border Security |4
https://www.visaverge.com/news/senate-immigration-deal-border-security-and-changes-to-catch-and-
release-policy/
(2017, November 9). YouTube: Home. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/29/senators-bipartisan-border-vote-00079782
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/26/so-
sad-and-scared-asylum-fears-mount-as-white-house-hints-at-border-deal
Texas’ border standoff with Border Patrol continues. (2024, January 24). The Texas Tribune.
Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/24/texas-border-wire-
supreme-court/
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.fairus.org/blog/2024/01/03/numbers-
biden-administrations-border-crisis-spreading-interior
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
https://www.newson6.com/story/63d5e3f3c7e2f307d71f0ee0/bipartisan-agreement-for-bill-on-border-
security-immigration-reform-at-risk-of-being-tabled
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/25/gov-abbott-
is-right-texas-has-the-right-to-defend-itself/
Boyd, J. (2024, January 25). All The States Standing With TX Against Biden's Border Assault. The
Federalist. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/25/here-are-all-the-
states-standing-with-texas-against-bidens-border-assault/
Hemingway, M. (2024, January 26). Border Crisis Shows The Establishment's Contempt For
Democracy. The Federalist. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/26/the-immigration-crisis-shows-just-how-much-contempt-
americas-establishment-has-for-democracy/
Framing Immigration Reform and Border Security |5
Sources
Left-Leaning Sources:
Gypson, K. (2024, January 9). US Lawmakers Back in Session, Working on Border Security, Ukraine
Aid. VOA News. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.voanews.com/a/us-lawmakers-back-
in-session-working-on-border-security-ukraine-aid/7433213.html
Singh, S. (2024, January 13). Senate Immigration Deal: Border Security and Changes to Catch-and-
Release Policy. VisaVerge - Immigration Portal - VisaVerge. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
https://www.visaverge.com/news/senate-immigration-deal-border-security-and-changes-to-catch-and-
release-policy/
(2017, November 9). YouTube: Home. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/29/senators-bipartisan-border-vote-00079782
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/26/so-
sad-and-scared-asylum-fears-mount-as-white-house-hints-at-border-deal
Texas’ border standoff with Border Patrol continues. (2024, January 24). The Texas Tribune.
Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/24/texas-border-wire-
supreme-court/
Right Leaning Sources :
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.fairus.org/blog/2024/01/03/numbers-
biden-administrations-border-crisis-spreading-interior
Framing Immigration Reform and Border Security |6
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
https://www.newson6.com/story/63d5e3f3c7e2f307d71f0ee0/bipartisan-agreement-for-bill-on-border-
security-immigration-reform-at-risk-of-being-tabled
(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/25/gov-abbott-
is-right-texas-has-the-right-to-defend-itself/
Boyd, J. (2024, January 25). All The States Standing With TX Against Biden's Border Assault. The
Federalist. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/25/here-are-all-the-
states-standing-with-texas-against-bidens-border-assault/
Hemingway, M. (2024, January 26). Border Crisis Shows The Establishment's Contempt For
Democracy. The Federalist. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from
https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/26/the-immigration-crisis-shows-just-how-much-contempt-
americas-establishment-has-for-democracy/
