United States President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled plans to deport all unauthorized immigrants in the country over the next four years, labeling illegal immigration a national emergency. Trump outlined his approach during an interview aired on NBC’s *Meet the Press* on Sunday, ahead of his January 20 inauguration.
Citing a Department of Homeland Security estimate of over 11 million undocumented immigrants as of January 2022, Trump emphasized the urgency of enforcement. “I think you have to do it. It’s a very tough thing to do. You know, you have rules, regulations, laws,” he said.
While Trump reiterated his tough stance on immigration, he signaled a willingness to negotiate protections for “Dreamers,” immigrants brought to the U.S. as children under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Trump previously sought to dismantle DACA during his first term, but the Supreme Court blocked the move.
Another major policy shift Trump intends to pursue is the termination of birthright citizenship, which grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ legal status. This right, rooted in the 14th Amendment, was upheld by the Supreme Court in an 1898 decision. Trump announced plans to issue an executive order to challenge this policy, acknowledging it might require constitutional amendments and face significant legal battles.
The proposed immigration measures are expected to be costly. The American Immigration Council estimates mass deportations could cost up to $88 billion annually. Trump’s team, led by incoming border czar Tom Homan, is pushing Congress for substantial funding increases to bolster immigration enforcement.
Trump’s immigration agenda has reignited debates over its feasibility, legality, and economic implications. Critics warn of the societal and financial consequences, while supporters argue it reflects a commitment to law enforcement and border security.
