ATLANTA – On June 27, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will participate in the first of two general election debates hosted by CNN. This event, held in Atlanta, marks their first face-to-face encounter since the 2020 presidential election. Notably, the debates will not involve the Commission on Presidential Debates, nor will there be a live audience. Each candidate’s microphone will be muted once their speaking time concludes.

Immigration is expected to be a key focus, given its rising importance as an issue for U.S. voters. Biden and Trump sharply differ in their immigration policies. Biden has advocated for reform and increased pathways to citizenship. In contrast, Trump emphasizes strict border control, proposing the end of birthright citizenship and large-scale deportations.

Biden’s recent initiatives include providing a streamlined citizenship pathway for immigrants with citizen spouses and supporting DACA recipients. His administration also instituted an executive order preventing illegal border crossers from seeking asylum, prompting debate over his immigration enforcement approach.

Trump, reaffirming policies from his previous campaigns, aims to reduce legal immigration and enforce stringent immigration laws. He supports utilizing local and federal law enforcement for extensive deportation efforts.

Both candidates must address pressing questions, including their plans to manage immigration crises in non-border cities, clarify policies affecting DACA and American students, and discuss the use of technology like the CBP One app for asylum seekers. They must also outline their visions for international cooperation on immigration and the involvement of artificial intelligence in enforcement.

The June 27 debate is crucial for both Biden and Trump, as they seek to appeal to voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Beyond immigration, other significant topics such as climate action and economic policies are also likely to be discussed, making this debate a critical moment for both campaigns.