WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportation could affect millions of immigrants in the United States. Roughly 11 million individuals live in the U.S. without legal status, and some analysts estimate this number may have grown. These immigrants include those with temporary protections like DACA or TPS, which limit immediate deportation.
Sanctuary States
California and Texas have the largest populations of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, with other states such as Florida and New York close behind. States that have sanctuary laws are particularly involved, limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Family Separations
Trump’s mass deportation operation could force families apart, as many undocumented immigrants live with U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A significant portion of the workforce, especially in agriculture, could be impacted by the deportation of undocumented workers.
Industry Stability
The majority of immigrants in the U.S. illegally are in prime working age, and many play vital roles in sectors like farming and construction. Deporting them may jeopardize the stability of industries that rely heavily on their labor. Advocacy groups, such as those in agriculture, urge Trump to reconsider deporting workers in these sectors.
Immigrant Origins
Among the countries immigrants come from, Mexico represents the largest group of those in the U.S. illegally, followed by nations like Guatemala and Honduras. These immigrants are often forced to flee violence or instability in their home countries. With legal entry programs set to end, the new administration is unlikely to provide relief for future immigrants.
A large portion of immigrants live in mixed-status households. Over 10 million individuals are living with U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and many of them are children. Deporting their parents could separate families, which would have widespread emotional, social, and economic consequences.
While Trump’s immigration policies plan to halt most humanitarian protections like TPS and DACA, these programs have provided vital support to immigrants. Both TPS and DACA offer deportation relief and work permits, and some individuals have been in the U.S. for over a decade under these protections.
The uncertainty surrounding these programs has left many immigrants in a precarious position. TPS and DACA recipients are also vulnerable to being removed from the U.S., although litigation and legal challenges may delay these actions.
As Trump’s policies unfold, a long process of legal challenges and negotiations is anticipated. Despite criticism and the expected disruption to families and U.S. businesses, Trump’s focus remains clear: drastically reducing immigration to the U.S. through mass deportations.
