Trump’s Bold Immigration Promise: A Million Migrants to Be Expelled

People sitting and resting on a highway.

Former President Donald Trump vows to expel over one million migrants if re-elected, targeting Biden administration’s immigration policies.

At a Glance

Trump pledges to deport migrants admitted under Biden’s humanitarian parole programs
Over 1.3 million migrants have entered the U.S. through two specific Biden programs
Trump plans to invoke wartime powers and use military for mass deportations
Critics argue mass deportations face legal, logistical, and financial challenges
Republicans claim Biden’s programs bypass immigration laws set by Congress

Trump’s Bold Immigration Stance

Former President Donald Trump has made immigration a central focus of his reelection campaign, promising to implement the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history” if he returns to the White House. Trump’s plan targets over one million migrants who entered the United States under two Biden administration programs, which he claims are detrimental to American jobs and wages.

The former president’s aggressive stance on immigration has resonated with his base, particularly among Republican voters who support stricter border control measures. Trump’s campaign has adopted the catchphrase “Mass deportation now!” to emphasize the urgency of his proposed actions.

Biden’s Immigration Programs Under Fire

Trump’s criticism centers on two specific Biden administration initiatives. The first allows migrants to use the CBP One app to schedule asylum appointments at U.S. border crossings, with over 813,000 migrants utilizing this option since January 2023. The second program permits 30,000 people per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. with a financial sponsor and background vetting, benefiting approximately 530,000 individuals to date.

“Get ready to leave because you’re going to be going out real fast.” – Source

These programs admit migrants under humanitarian parole for two years. The Biden administration argues that these policies reduce border chaos, cut smuggling networks, and allow for better vetting. However, Republicans contend that these initiatives bypass immigration laws set by Congress and admit individuals who would not otherwise qualify for entry.

Trump’s Deportation Strategy

To execute his mass deportation plan, Trump and his team are detailing strategies that include invoking wartime powers and utilizing the military. The former president has specifically mentioned the Alien Enemies Act, a law last invoked during World War II for internment camps, as a potential tool for targeting drug dealers, gang members, and cartel members.

“Following the Eisenhower model, we will carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” Trump said at a September rally last year in Ankeny, Iowa. – Source

Trump’s plan also includes reshuffling federal law enforcement, transferring Department of Homeland Security funds, and enforcing immigration laws more strictly. He has announced intentions to begin large-scale deportations in states like Ohio and Colorado if elected president.

Challenges and Criticisms

Experts and critics argue that Trump’s proposed mass deportations face significant legal, logistical, and financial hurdles. The scale of such an operation would likely strain resources and face legal challenges. Additionally, there are concerns about the economic impact on U.S. families, particularly those with mixed immigration status.

“Not only is this fear-mongering, but it is also extreme, unprecedented, and simply cruel.” – Source

While Trump’s proposals have strong support among his base, polls show that Americans are generally split on the issue of mass deportations. The debate continues to be a divisive topic in American politics, with implications for the upcoming election and the future of U.S. immigration policy.