Immigration Enforcement Challenges: Thousands of Chinese Nationals Remain Despite Orders

Typewriter with "Deportation Order" typed on paper.

Nearly 38,000 Chinese nationals remain in the U.S. despite deportation orders, highlighting a severe lapse in immigration enforcement.

At a Glance

Over 1.4 million noncitizens with deportation orders are not currently detained by ICE
Chinese nationals account for 37,908 individuals on the docket with final removal orders
ICE cites various reasons for inability to remove those with final orders, including appeals and deportation protection
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green criticizes Biden administration’s limitations on ICE

Immigration Enforcement Crisis Exposed

A recent report has unveiled a startling reality in U.S. immigration enforcement. Despite court-issued deportation orders, nearly 38,000 Chinese nationals continue to reside in the United States illegally. This revelation is part of a broader crisis affecting various nationalities, including those from Iran, Venezuela, and Haiti.

The scale of this enforcement failure is staggering. Over 1.4 million noncitizens with deportation orders remain undetained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This figure includes individuals from multiple countries, raising concerns about national security and the effectiveness of immigration policies.

Diverse Nationalities Affected

While Chinese nationals make up a significant portion of those defying deportation orders, they are not alone. The report indicates that over 32,000 Haitians, nearly 18,000 Indians, over 38,000 Brazilians, almost 4,000 Mauritanians, and nearly 1,000 Uzbeks are also in the U.S. despite being ordered to leave. The majority of illegal aliens ordered deported, however, come from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

“hamstrung ICE’s ability to detain and remove those here illegally — even those who have been ordered to be removed by immigration judges.” – House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN)

This statement from Chairman Green highlights the frustration among lawmakers regarding the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. The inability to execute deportation orders effectively has led to a backlog of cases and a growing number of noncitizens remaining in the country unlawfully.

ICE’s Challenges and Explanations

ICE officials have struggled to provide specific reasons for their inability to remove certain noncitizens on the non-detained docket with final orders. The agency cites several factors complicating deportation efforts, including ongoing appeals, deportation protection claims, and uncooperative countries of origin.

“Noncitizens may pursue a form of relief or protection from removal, which may include asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. If a noncitizen is granted any form of relief from removal, ICE is unable to effectuate the removal.” – ICE

Despite these challenges, concerns have been raised about potential national security risks, particularly regarding Chinese nationals. Some experts worry about the possibility of espionage or cyberattacks from individuals who should have been deported.

Political Response and Future Actions

The incoming Trump administration has indicated plans to prioritize public safety threats in its deportation efforts. Meanwhile, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green is pushing for legislative measures to strengthen operational procedures and ensure effective execution of deportation orders.

“It is absolutely critical that Congress fully supports the incoming Trump administration’s efforts to undo this damage and once again enforce our immigration laws and secure our borders.” – Green

As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, the Biden administration has recently conducted multiple removal flights to China, signaling some progress in addressing the backlog. However, with over 7 million people on the non-detained docket, including those incarcerated by other law enforcement agencies, the challenge remains significant.