Trump Vows Largest Deportation Drive in US History if Re-elected
Former US President Donald Trump has outlined a stringent approach to immigration policies should he be re-elected for a second term in the White House.
His proposed measures aim to address the record-breaking influx of migrants attempting to cross the US-Mexico border illegally, a challenge that has plagued the current administration led by President Joe Biden. At the forefront of Trump's immigration agenda lies the reinstatement of controversial policies from his previous tenure. He intends to reinstate the "remain in Mexico" program which requires non-Mexican asylum-seekers entering the US to await the resolution of their cases in Mexico. Additionally, he plans to revive the Covid-era Title 42 policy enabling US border authorities to expel migrants back to Mexico without granting them the opportunity to claim asylum.
Trump's advisers cite the unprecedented levels of border crossings and trafficking as justifications for these emergency measures. His primary focus during his first term was the construction of a border wall along the Mexican border, an endeavour he aims to complete by closing any remaining gaps should he regain the presidency. Beyond securing the physical border, Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation effort in American history, targeting millions of immigrants, primarily those with criminal records. If necessary, he has suggested relying on the National Guard or federal troops to facilitate these mass deportations.
Trump has also expressed his intention to invoke the 1789 Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants with criminal records and suspected gang members. Additionally, Trump has proposed implementing a merit-based immigration system that prioritizes American workers and values. During his first term, he implemented measures to restrict access to certain visa programs including a suspension of many work visas amid the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also promised to end Biden's "parole" initiatives which have allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants with US sponsors to enter the country and obtain work permits, including Ukrainians and Afghans.
Furthermore, Trump intends to roll back Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations which provide deportation relief and work permits to hundreds of thousands of individuals in need. Although he attempted to phase out most TPS enrollment during his first term, legal challenges slowed his efforts. In a controversial move, Trump has refused to rule out bringing back his "zero tolerance" policy which led to the separation of thousands of migrant families at the US-Mexico border in 2018. While some of his key allies are hesitant to support this policy, Trump has reiterated his belief in its effectiveness as a deterrent against illegal border crossings.
Additionally, Trump plans to renew his efforts to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program which provides deportation relief and work permits to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children. Although the Supreme Court previously blocked his attempts to end the program during his first term, Trump remains committed to its termination if re-elected. Throughout his presidency, Trump has maintained a hardline stance on immigration, advocating for stringent measures to secure the border and prioritize the interests of American workers.