Deportation of illegal immigrants in the US: A possible way forward

Immigration emerges as a contentious issue in the US

Immigration has been a contentious issue in the US for years, often dividing politicians, communities, families, and the common public.

Recent calls for mass deportations and tighter immigration controls, esp after Trump‘s victory in the 2024 elections, reflect valid concerns about the rule of law, security, and fairness in voting.

At the same time, the reality is that Democrats have consciously encouraged millions of undocumented immigrants to cross over to the US and now bemoan that these people contribute to society in meaningful ways, providing labor, paying taxes, and enriching communities.

Though the illegals have a weak case, the size of deportation, if done, would compare with the migration that happened post-independence in India and Pakistan. It may happen with violence and heartburn of a kind never witnessed in the US.

A historical context on deportation

Deportation of illegal immigrants isn’t new. Past presidents, including Democrats, have done it, though these actions were not on this scale, and not sensationalized.

In fact, Barack Obama was labeled the “Deporter-in-Chief” for deporting over 3.5 million people during his administration. However, under the Biden administration, approximately one million identified undocumented immigrants earmarked for deportation by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) over the past four years did not see their cases enforced.

Mass vs targeted approach to deportation

There are widespread fears of mass deportations, mainly due to Trump’s harsh statements on this topic. However, it appears that Trump may most likely prioritize individuals who pose security threats or have a criminal history.

Reports indicate that ICE and other agencies are aware of the locations of many high-risk undocumented individuals, including criminals, those on terrorist watchlists, and individuals involved in gang or drug-related activities.

Focusing on deporting such individuals, estimated at over one million, would serve as a strategic start.

The unchecked flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs across the US-Mexico border has contributed to a national crisis.

With an estimated 150,000 Americans under 40 dying annually from drug overdoses, primarily from fentanyl trafficked via Mexican cartels, the urgency to strengthen border security is paramount.

Trump has indicated he will take a hard stance against this scourge, warning China about its involvement, planning naval inspections of Mexican cargo ships, and even considering military action against drug cartels.

Such measures aim to significantly reduce illegal drug influx and protect American lives.

One hopes that Trump may strike a middle-ground solution that would address most of his concerns with limited resort to sweeping and disruptive measures.

This article outlines a possible framework that could work out a compromise between the stated positions of Republicans and Democrats, viz., secure borders, enforce voter integrity, and provide a reasonable pathway for undocumented immigrants who respect the law.

Protecting the integrity of voting rights

One of the core points in the immigration debate is the potential for undocumented immigrants to influence US elections. Voting in elections is a right reserved for citizens, and ensuring that only citizens vote is critical for a healthy democracy.

To address these concerns, both Republicans and Democrats could work together and establish a robust framework with three main pillars:

•  Enhanced voter verification going forward: Implementing a secure voter ID and verification system could help ensure that only eligible citizens participate in elections. States and local jurisdictions could cross-reference voter rolls with immigration databases, with stringent checks to safeguard privacy and prevent fraud.
• Permanent voting ineligibility for undocumented immigrants: To address fears of creating a new political vote bank, any legal status provided to undocumented immigrants could come with a permanent bar from voting rights. This would allow individuals to live and work in the US legally (with conditions) without the possibility of ever gaining voting rights in elections.
  Making this exclusion permanent would assure citizens that those who entered unlawfully will not influence future elections.
• Clear & stringent penalties for voter fraud: Penalties for fraudulent voting by non-citizens should be well-defined and strictly enforced to serve as a deterrent.

A public awareness campaign could accompany these measures, educating immigrants and the general public on the importance of adhering to voting laws.

A conditional legal status without citizenship

A reasonable compromise could involve offering undocumented immigrants a path to legal status that won’t ever lead to citizenship.

For many such undocumented people, citizenship may not be the primary goal – rather, the ability to work and live in the US without fear of deportation is a more pressing concern. Voting rights are likely to be the concern of only the politicians.

Key features of this legal status could include:

• Temporary legal status: Qualified undocumented immigrants could receive a renewable, non-citizen status that allows them to work legally, pay taxes, and contribute to the economy.
  This status would be contingent on good behavior, employment, and regular renewals.
• Permanent exclusion from citizenship and voting rights, subject to conditions: This non-citizen status would preclude the possibility of applying for citizenship or obtaining voting rights, thus addressing concerns about future political shifts.
  This would offer a solution for those who wish to remain in the country but are willing to forgo the rights of citizenship in exchange for stability and work opportunities.
• Regular renewals with accountability: The legal status could require regular renewals, with each renewal contingent on continued adherence to US laws and tax obligations.
  This would ensure a level of accountability and allow the government to track the population effectively.
  Targeted Deportations and Voluntary Departure Programs

A measured approach to deportation could focus on prioritizing individuals who pose risks to public safety or have criminal records, rather than every undocumented person.

To address public safety concerns while minimizing disruptions to communities, the government could adopt two key strategies:

• Deporting high-risk individuals: Priority should be given to deporting those with criminal backgrounds or connections to gang activity. By focusing on this group, the US could improve public safety while allowing law-abiding individuals to remain under conditional status.
• Incentivized voluntary departure: Offering incentives for voluntary departure could encourage some undocumented immigrants to return to their home countries temporarily.

By establishing a reentry program that allows them to come back legally, the government can encourage a more orderly immigration process.

This approach may help reduce the overall undocumented population without the extensive costs and disruption associated with forced deportations.

Strengthening border security and future immigration controls

To prevent future unauthorized immigration, the US could implement stronger irrevocable border controls and streamline legal immigration pathways.

This dual approach would serve both to protect borders and to offer alternatives to illegal entry:

• Enhanced border security: Investing in state-of-the-art border technology, infrastructure, and personnel would help reduce illegal crossings and human trafficking, as well as streamline immigration checkpoints.
• Improved employment verification: Expanding the E-Verify system and requiring its use by all employers would make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to obtain unauthorized employment, further discouraging illegal immigration.
• Guest worker programs: Creating more guest worker programs in sectors that require additional labor, such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction, could help reduce the demand for undocumented workers. Such programs could allow workers to come legally for a set period, benefiting industries without increasing the undocumented population.

Conclusion

This middle-ground approach that protects the US interests in terms of voting rights, offers limited legal status to illegal immigrants and strengthens border security, could help bridge the political divide on immigration issues and avoid a humanitarian crisis.

This compromise would require both parties to make concessions but would address core concerns on both sides. If required, this could even be vetted by the Supreme Court, to avoid reopening the topic later.

By ensuring that only citizens vote, providing undocumented immigrants with limited legal protections, and focusing on high-risk deportations, the US could create a more balanced immigration system.

Such a solution would preserve democratic integrity while offering a practical approach to those who have already been in the US for a long.

It would also allow for targeted border security measures that keep out future unauthorized immigrants while providing legal avenues for those seeking work in the US.

Through this approach, the United States could set an example of a thoughtful, fair, and balanced immigration policy, in keeping with its image as the world’s longest democracy.

This will also ensure that illegal immigration methods can’t be used in the future, putting a permanent end to this problem.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Deportation of illegal immigrants in the US: A possible way forward appeared first on PGurus.