United States President-elect Donald Trump has revealed plans for sweeping immigration reforms, including the deportation of all unauthorized immigrants and an end to birthright citizenship. These measures mark a return to Trump’s hardline immigration stance from his first term.
In a recent interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump declared that he would classify illegal immigration as a national emergency upon assuming office on January 20. This initiative aims to address the estimated 11 million people residing in the U.S. without legal status, based on 2022 Department of Homeland Security data.
“I think you have to do it. It’s a very tough thing to do. You know, you have rules, regulations, laws,” Trump said, emphasizing the necessity of strict enforcement.
While Trump’s stance on immigration enforcement remains firm, he hinted at possible negotiations to protect “Dreamers”—individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children. During his first term, Trump attempted to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which shields Dreamers from deportation, but the effort was blocked by the Supreme Court.
In another controversial move, Trump announced his intent to issue an executive order on his first day in office to terminate birthright citizenship. This policy, enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution and upheld by an 1898 Supreme Court ruling, grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil regardless of their parent’s immigration status.
“We’ll maybe have to go back to the people,” Trump stated, acknowledging the legal challenges such a move would face. He suggested that achieving this goal might require a constitutional amendment, a complex and lengthy process.
Implementing Trump’s mass deportation plan would come with substantial costs. The American Immigration Council estimates the expense of deporting all unauthorized immigrants at $88 billion annually. To meet these demands, Trump’s team, including incoming border czar Tom Homan, has called on Congress to significantly increase funding for immigration enforcement.
Trump’s proposals have sparked widespread debate. Supporters argue these measures are necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect national security, while critics warn of the economic, social, and humanitarian implications.
As Trump prepares to take office, the nation braces for a renewed focus on immigration policy, with potential legal battles and public outcry on the horizon.
