Illegal immigrants in the US
February 24, 2017 | Expert Insights
How can President Trump deal with the issue?
On 21 Feb 17, new guidelines were issued by the Trump Administration regarding illegal immigration and risk of deportation. John Kelly, Secretary Homeland Security estimates that there are 11.4 million illegal immigrants, living in the US.
Deportation & Crime
Under the Obama Administration, illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes (threats to National Security) were deported. The new President has expanded the criteria to include those illegal immigrants, even ‘suspected’ or ‘charge’ with ‘any’ crime; possibly even traffic violations. Thus, all the 11.4 million illegal immigrants live at risk of immediate deportation.
The only group protected from deportation are called ‘dreamers’, those who were brought into the US as children but do not have citizenship. However, the parents of ‘dreamers’ do not enjoy such privileges.
Expedited Deportation
Under the Obama Administration, only those illegal immigrants who had resided less than two years in the US and within 100 miles of the border, were subjected to ‘expedited deportation’. The new administration has chosen to strengthen ‘expedited deportation’, by removing the jurisdictional limit of 100 miles; it is now applicable anywhere in the US.
Other provisions include empowering immigration enforcement officials to return illegal immigrants across the Mexican border, irrespective of nationality. There is also provision for creation of a new office, specifically to help victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
Assessment
President Trump’s directions conform to promises made during the election. If actual deportation of 11 million illegal immigrants, is the desired ‘end state’, it is already a lost cause. It took Nazi Germany more than five years and the Waffen SS, to marshal and re-locate six million Jews. The presidential directions, without allocating resources can best achieve selective application, to few unfortunate illegal immigrants. More importantly, the policy is in stark contrast to the American spirit, of celebrating freedom and the land of opportunity. The new President should beware, democracies have a reputation of dealing decisively with leaders, who tamper with cultural identity.