Table of Contents
With a hardline statement, US President-elect Donald Trump declares his most extensive deportation operations for the States. Right from Trump's reign back in 2015, his presidency has always intertwined with the issue of illegal immigration issues. Repeating history, his stance remains strong. Threatening the nations with a statement so brutal, Trump declared he would not do business with those countries that refused to take them back.
"I will get everyone back to their country, or else I will not do business with those countries, " Trump said in his recent interview with Time magazine for the honour of receiving Time's "Person of the Year 2024." Ironically, this award is for someone who shapes the world for the better or the worse in one year.
In the previous Trump regime, 1.5 million immigrants were deported, but in his upcoming term, the plan is to deport 1 million immigrants each year. This time, he left the nations no choice, imposing high tariffs if they rejected the offer of accepting their citizens back. His stance is clear-whatever it takes to get them out. Pointing to many nations, he accused Mexico and Canada of allowing illegal migrants and drugs to travel in the States. The severity of these plans cannot be overstated, and the implications are dire.
At the start of his executive orders to make his deportation operation successful, Trump declared to impose a 25% increase in import tariff on Mexico and Canada until particular drugs like Fentanyl and other illegal drugs are stopped from crossing the border of the country. Other than these nations, an additional 10% tariff hike has also been noted for China to curb the number of illegal substances entering the country.
_1734677779.webp)
Though Trump's decision negatively affects the economy of other nations, it is aimed to boost the economy of the States. Democratic mayors have expressed their concerns by voicing their opinions, claiming the country is struggling with its resources due to such a high influx of people entering the country illegally. A significant challenge faced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was that many countries rejected this notice due to political and financial hurdles it could have created for the nation, leading to social and economic instability in the States.
Trump stated his mass deportation would be targeted at people who have any criminal history. He states, "We have criminals in other countries who do not want to be taken back. They are not our people, and we do not want them in our country." Still, he also indicated that this might go beyond deporting criminals without specifying what this means. As per Trump, if people have entered illegally, they must be deported because of rules and regulations to support the country.
Trump doubled down on his work during his first presidency with far more aggressive methods. For his unfinished efforts from 2017-2021, he is ready to go as far as declaring a national emergency and using the military to achieve his goal of the deportation of immigrants from the USA.
Mass Deportation
Trump's 'Zero Tolerance' policy, a key component of his immigration strategy, is designed to enforce stricter rules and strategies to force rapid deportation and enhance border security. During the Biden-Harris administration period, immigration policies were changed to be more humane while balancing the immigration enforcement goals. The Biden administration saw high border crossing, which created a mixed message to the citizens with mass deportation for political pressure while appearing soft to manage the rule. Trump plans to scrap all of Biden's immigration policies and focuses on getting illegal immigrants out of the country by all means. However, Biden's attempts to limit asylum claims lead to a 32% decrease in illegal border arrests. Trump plans to apply a 'Zero Tolerance' policy with stricter rules and strategies to force rapid deportation and border security.
Border Enforcement
Trump's promise in 2016 to create a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border has resumed in a rush. To complete the wall of over 450 miles, funds are needed, which made Trump suggest using the country's national emergency funds. Trump also criticized Biden for reversing his attempts to secure the border and claimed his measures were not enough to stop the illegal migrants, despite Biden's policies showing a steep drop in illegal immigration numbers. Though Trump killed the bipartisan bill passed by Harris, which could have added 1,300 border patrol agents, he now called on Congress to fund an additional 10,000 Border patrol agents to increase the existing border force.
Travel Bans
Shortly after taking the rule back, Trump issued a restriction on travelling for people from a majority of Muslim countries like Iran, Libya, Suda, Iraq, Somalia, and Yemen. He claimed he would stop the entry of people who support Islamist militant groups and block communists and Marxists from entering the States. Terrorism risk and immigration concerns made Trump broaden the ban in his second term and made Trump suggest that travel bans be now applied to temporary visas and refugee admissions from high-risk areas. Stricter vetting processes are also being discussed to ensure the traveller complies with US standards and aligns with Trump's "law and order" messages.
Zero Tolerance for Families
Deportations in 2018 caused a significant issue in Trump's first term, which was the separation of families at the border. Adults were detained while children were sent to government shelters, creating a wide backlash as thousands of families got separated. This mass deportation of the current term predicts a total of 5000 children being thrown under the same conditions. When asked about the issues, Trump states, 'I don't want to be breaking up families, so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.' A similar statement was given by Trump's 'Border czar', Tom Homan, where he stated, 'Families can be deported together.' So, during the upcoming Trump Presidency, there will be no change in these family separation conditions as, according to the president, he also understands the condition of these low-income families. However, he has rules and regulations to follow.
End of DACA Program
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that was for children who were illegally brought to the States as children and were called "dreamer" immigrants. Donald Trump has consistently opposed the Dreamers, and now he claims to dismantle the DACA program and reject any new applications. He believes it is unconstitutional and will likely direct the matter to Homeland Security to renew his case and issue a final order. Over 600,000 Dreamers are at risk of losing their lives in the US and getting deported to a country they might not even survive in.
Asylum Restriction
Trump's new immigration policies state clearly that migrants will be restricted from seeking asylum in the States under his rule. Under his Migrant Protection Protocols, often referred to as the "Remain in Mexico" Policy, asylum seekers will be forced to wait in Mexico until their legalities are entirely fulfilled. There is a 100% denied asylum to migrants who pass another country before reaching the states without seeking any legal protection from those countries. He will also appoint extra security at the Mexico border to increase the effect of his plans.
Birthright Citizenship Ban
Trump plans to ban the civil rights of immigrant children who were born in America with undocumented parents. He states he will stop recognizing birthright citizenship, limiting the healthcare and economic coverage of the people. This ban can impact the country's working as children of immigrants are noted to be contributing more to the taxes collected by the country. Halting the right to citizenship seems right in the eyes of Trump and his supporters. The government states that at least one parent must be a permanent legal resident of the country to get citizenship automatically. Trump is ready to face legal consequences as this policy will be violating the constitutional rights of many.
Donald Trump has already made a decision, but he is not ready to budge. Stating that the country is getting issues due to criminals they have never seen before, the maximum level of law enforcement will be used to protect the country. "I want them out, and the countries have got to take them back" Trump strengthens his statement and proclaims, "If they don't take them back, we won't do business with those countries, and we will tariff those countries very substantially. They will have substantial tariffs when they send products in, making it hard to do business with us." Such a statement is clear enough to believe that Trump is ready to declare an economic war with the countries refusing to accept what he has to offer.
When asked about a few of his allies' disagreement with his statement and support for other countries, Trump maclarifiedhat that he is for this country and not for other countries. Even allies will not be immune from his actions, and he will do as much as the law allows. Trump is all set to remove the illegal immigrants with or without the support of other nations. He plans to move people to third countries other than their home countries. Without a clear indication of whether the immigrants will be allowed to work in other countries and how they will survive, Trump's transition team is ready to disperse the migrant crowd to countries like Mexico, Panama, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, and Grenada as per trusted sources. Though countries like the Bahamas have already rejected the offer, some countries like Mexico are still trying to find a way to stop this illegal migration.
If something horrendous like this happens, it will leave thousands and thousands of migrants stuck in some countries they are not even familiar with. With no means to communicate and start a new life, people will be left to worry and survive if they can. Tough People have sued Trump before, and they will choose to take legal help now as well, but these lineups stay pending in courts, forcing all the power into the hands of the government, which is already forcing them to quit their lives and start a new journey without any support. Under Trump's wish list policy, Project 2025, immigration is yet to top the list without any consideration of what the people of the country might have to say. Trump has announced that there will be no visa rule for countries unwilling to cooperate, ensuring he stresses enough pressure on countries to make his decisions, which is the only option left.
Immigrants' Expectations from Mass Deportation
People are living with a constant fear of getting deported into third-world countries without hope of survival. Many set up their lives in the States, starting from scratch and contributing to the community's growth for decades; they feel betrayed and feel their struggles were all for a lost cause. The abrupt decision to snatch lives and families out of hardworking migrants has left them with nothing but just hope of help from legal battles. They like to believe that deportation is just for the "criminals."
Immigrants, any child and family, have a fear of separation from their families and expect emotional and financial hardships to be considered if deportation occurs. There is still a ray of hope that legal efforts and advocates might help people halt the deportations and provide them with an alternative solution. The lives that these hardworking immigrants created over many decades for a brighter future for their families are now dangling amongst the chaos of losing everything they ever worked on.
Effect of Mass Deportation on the Global Economy
Trump believes he is doing his country a favour by increasing the import charges from non-cooperative nations. Though this deportation is estimated to cost $114 Billion, Trump suggested drastically decreasing income taxes for US citizens once his import rates increase and getting funds collected in the national treasure. Some of the significant issues which the country will be facing due to mass deportation will be related to:
The labour shortage in the States will lead to a Declining Economy.
US industries heavily rely on migrant workers in agriculture, construction, hospitality and service sectors. The federal government is projected to lose $860 Billion in revenue if the deportation is continued. If deportation is worked upon, a state or country will face a higher cost of production, slower production speed and a significant decline in the output. All these factors combined will negatively harm the country's economy. Inflation will rise at alarming rates, affecting the global supply chain w, which was supported by the contribution of migrant workers. Instead of having more opportunities for American citizens to grow, the economy will face a wage loss, even shrinking the tax revenue.
A Decline in Remittances will Increase the Poverty of Developing Nations.
Migrant workers were the primary sources of income for many families back in their home countries. With their remittance money, these transactions were supporting the local economy. Once immigrants return to their countries or any other country, their skills get overlooked due to the high influx of people and limited opportunities. This will create a state of unemployment and social instability for many individuals and hinder the ability of people to fund their families and help countries flourish their industries.
Tensed International Relations and Declining Global Trade and Investments
Indicating a reduction in trade, mass deportation will disturb the global trade balance and international relations among many countries. Diplomatic relations will be damaged, and trade restrictions will increase, negatively affecting trade and money flow, which will decline the global economy. The US will suffer the most, with a sudden disruption in the workforce leading to geopolitical tension.
Social and Political Instability
Every country receiving the migrated population will need more funds and resources for every individual. The influx of a high population can strain the already suffering populations of many nations and create social instability with potential unemployment and increased poverty. Countries receiving the migrants will be suffering from resource shortages and social instability. Pressure from communities may increase the need for public services and create human rights issues.
Tackling the issue of illegal immigration never needed an approach of Military force to be sorted out. Legalization and rational approaches are required to balance the illegal immigration issue in the states, ensuring humanity and corporations are not just treated as optional factors. Trump's aggressive stance and decision to mass deport millions of migrants without a proper solution for their future not only risks their lives and careers but also slashes the chances of growth of the economy in the states. Trump is under question about his decisions and how his justification to ruin the lives of millions is just termed as working for the country. A sustainable solution would have prioritized collaboration and never used threats to force decisions on the countries.
No Comments