President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to deport all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. during his upcoming four-year term while pursuing a deal to protect "Dreamers," he said during an interview aired on NBC News' Meet the Press with Kristen Welker on Sunday.
Key Policy Plans
Trump reiterated his intention to take immediate executive action on his first day in office to attempt to end birthright citizenship, which grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country, regardless of their parents' immigration status. This move is expected to face significant legal challenges, as the right is rooted in the U.S. Constitution and supported by a landmark 1898 Supreme Court ruling.
"We'll maybe have to go back to the people," Trump said, hinting at the possibility of seeking a constitutional amendment to address birthright citizenship, a lengthy and difficult process.
Mass Deportation Plans
Trump, who secured a second term partly on promises of stricter immigration enforcement, is likely to declare illegal immigration a national emergency after his inauguration on January 20. He plans to mobilize federal resources for an extensive crackdown. When asked if he intended to deport all 11 million undocumented immigrants estimated to be in the U.S. as of January 2022, Trump responded, "I think you have to do it. It’s a very tough thing to do. You know, you have rules, regulations, laws."
The cost of such a large-scale deportation program is projected to be significant. The American Immigration Council estimates it could require $88 billion annually over a decade. Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border czar, confirmed the need for substantial funding, saying, "We're going to need as much money as Congress can get us," during an appearance on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures.
Dreamers and Immigration Reform
Despite his hardline stance, Trump expressed support for protecting "Dreamer" immigrants—individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children. He suggested Republicans are open to striking a deal to provide these individuals with legal protections. This marks a shift from his previous presidency, during which he sought to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a move blocked by the Supreme Court.
Legislative Challenges Ahead
Trump’s ambitious immigration agenda, including his plan to end birthright citizenship, is expected to face both political and legal hurdles. Experts predict pushback from Congress, advocacy groups, and the courts, with any substantial changes to constitutional rights requiring significant public and legislative support.
