Deporting 11 Million Undocumented: Mission Impossible

The ambitious proposal by former President Donald Trump to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants from the United States has been labeled a “mission impossible” by America’s Voice, a pro-immigration advocacy group. According to the organization, implementing such a plan would entail setting up detention camps across the country, where immigrants would await their removal. This measure would affect all undocumented individuals living in the U.S., including those who have resided here for decades. The potential moral and economic costs associated with this plan are staggering.

America’s Voice highlights that the proposed mass deportation would have profound moral and economic repercussions. The financial burden of deporting 11 million individuals is projected to exceed $265 billion. Each million deported could result in an estimated 88,000 American job losses. Furthermore, the U.S. would face significant economic setbacks, losing trillions in taxes contributed by immigrants and their payments into Social Security and Medicare. The organization emphasizes that such a plan would not only disrupt countless lives but also devastate the economy.

From a legal perspective, the challenges of carrying out mass deportations are immense. Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. have constitutional rights, particularly those who have been here for an extended period. These rights include the right to legal counsel, albeit at their own expense, and protections under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, which guarantee due process. The need to conduct legal hearings for each case adds a layer of complexity, creating a logistical nightmare for the judicial system. Courts would be overwhelmed, with judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys struggling to coordinate schedules for hearings. The sheer volume of cases would significantly delay the deportation process, making it both time-consuming and costly. Ignoring these legal rights would undermine the foundational principles of democracy, effectively converting the U.S. into a dictatorship.

Another critical aspect often overlooked is the international dimension of the deportation plan. At least 15 countries, including major nations like China, India, and Russia, have indicated that they will not accept the return of their nationals. It is anticipated that up to 150 countries might refuse to take back large numbers of their citizens from the U.S. While Trump’s threats to cut American aid might influence a few nations, most are unlikely to comply. This resistance further complicates the implementation of the deportation strategy.

The situation is particularly challenging when it comes to Mexico, which has over four million undocumented nationals currently residing in the U.S. The potential return of these individuals, combined with the existing flow of migrants seeking to enter the U.S. through Mexico, would place an enormous strain on Mexican resources. The influx of four million returning Mexicans could overwhelm the country and lead to significant logistical and social issues. The likelihood of Mexico cooperating fully with such a massive return is uncertain.

The deportation plan would also have repercussions for Canada. The U.S. policy could drive many undocumented immigrants northward, both legally and illegally. Canada’s current annual immigration intake stands at about 500,000. In recent years, irregular crossings at Roxham Road have already been a significant burden on Canadian authorities. The scenario becomes even more problematic if a large number of U.S. noncitizens, potentially up to one million, attempt to migrate to Canada to avoid deportation from the U.S.

Given the immense challenges and potential consequences of mass deportation, a more practical solution would be to offer a path to legalization for long-term undocumented immigrants. Instead of deporting individuals who have contributed to American society for years, the U.S. could consider moving the registry date forward, allowing them to remain in the country legally. In exchange, these immigrants could be required to perform community service as a form of restitution for their undocumented entry. This approach would provide a more humane and feasible resolution to the immigration issue, avoiding the disaster that the proposed mass deportation could entail.

In conclusion, the plan to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants is fraught with insurmountable obstacles. The moral, economic, legal, and international challenges make it a nearly impossible task. A more compassionate and practical alternative would be to focus on integrating long-term immigrants into the legal system, balancing their contributions with community service, and working towards a solution that reflects the values of fairness and humanity.