President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to conduct the largest deportation of undocumented immigrants in U.S. history, a promise that has been long anticipated. However, experts predict that the costs involved in carrying out a mass deportation of around 11.7 million illegal residents would be extremely high, limiting the feasibility of such an endeavor.
While Trump’s transition team has indicated plans to begin mass deportations on Day One of his presidency, the reality of executing such a vast operation seems bleak. The logistical challenges, including the lack of detention facilities and immigration courts, would prevent the efficient removal of millions of immigrants.
The economic impact of such mass deportations would be significant. Removing nearly 1.6 million construction workers and tens of thousands of farm laborers would increase consumer costs and hinder Trump’s efforts to revitalize the economy.
Instead of a mass deportation, experts suggest focusing on deporting immigrants with criminal records as a more feasible and cost-effective approach. By targeting the “worst of the worst,” approximately 617,607 non-detained undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions, Trump could still claim to have achieved a significant deportation milestone without the detrimental economic consequences of a broader removal effort.
In conclusion, experts urge Trump to prioritize deporting criminal immigrants rather than pursuing a mass deportation that could ultimately damage the economy and create social unrest. By focusing on removing criminals and securing the border, Trump could achieve his deportation goals without significant negative repercussions.
Source
Photo credit www.bangordailynews.com