Former President Donald Trump is preparing to take aggressive action on illegal immigration if he is elected to a second term, with plans to declare a national emergency and initiate widespread deportations beginning on January 20.
Trump’s plan focuses on deporting all undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States, with the Department of Homeland Security estimating the number of such individuals to be around 11 million, though the actual figure is likely higher. In a recent NBC News interview, Trump emphasized the need for tough measures, stating, “I think you have to do it,” while outlining a comprehensive strategy that would involve the full resources of the federal government to enforce deportations.
As part of his proposal, Trump has expressed a willingness to protect “Dreamers” — immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children — but his previous attempts to end programs offering them deportation relief were blocked by the Supreme Court.
Trump’s stance on birthright citizenship, however, may face significant legal challenges, as it is protected by the U.S. Constitution. The former president has suggested that a constitutional amendment might be required to address this issue, a process that could be difficult to achieve.
The financial costs of Trump’s proposed mass deportations are expected to be substantial, with estimates indicating it could cost up to $88 billion annually over a decade.
Key figures in his administration, including incoming border czar Tom Homan and former deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, have called for significant increases in immigration enforcement funding.
Despite the significant legal, constitutional, and financial challenges, Trump’s immigration plan is set to be a key issue in his potential second term, shaping his approach to U.S. border and immigration policy.
