President-elect Donald Trump recently addressed the topic of mass deportations of illegal immigrants, emphasizing that his administration feels it is necessary to proceed with these actions, irrespective of the costs involved.
In a discussion with NBC News, Trump was asked about the financial implications of his deportation plan, a core aspect of his campaign. "It’s not a question of a price tag," he stated, insisting that "we have no choice.
Trump justified this stance by citing serious crimes committed by some illegal immigrants, including murder and drug trafficking, and stressed that these individuals would be sent back to their home countries. "There is no price tag," he emphasized, on ensuring the safety and security of the nation. Throughout his campaign, Trump promised to deport around 11 million unauthorized immigrants, although he has mentioned that the actual number could be as high as 21 million. He also made it clear that while securing the border is paramount, the United States remains open to legal immigration. "I'm not somebody that says, 'No, you can't come in.' We want people to come in," he explained.
Both Democrats and organizations like the American Immigration Council have expressed concerns over the deportation plan’s feasibility and cost, with one report estimating the total expense could reach $315 billion. Nonetheless, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have argued that the long-term economic benefits would outweigh these costs. Vance has linked illegal immigration to rising housing and rent prices, suggesting that removing illegal immigrants would help alleviate such pressures. Some economists, however, have disputed this claim, attributing the housing price surge to a prolonged period of underbuilding and restrictive land-use policies. Despite these differing views, Vance has consistently highlighted the broader impact of illegal immigration on public services and infrastructure, noting that schools, hospitals, and housing have been strained in many areas.
To facilitate the deportations, Trump has indicated that he might invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, allowing the expulsion of noncitizens from countries with which the U.S. is at war. He has also mentioned the possible deployment of the National Guard, contingent on governors' approval. Stephen Miller, a senior Trump adviser, has proposed that National Guard troops from Republican-led states could be sent to assist in states unwilling to cooperate. Vance has clarified that the deportations would be conducted methodically, beginning with more achievable targets such as violent criminals.
Andrew Arthur from the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for stricter immigration controls, has noted that the plan would not involve indiscriminate sweeps but rather a phased approach starting with securing the border. Ultimately, Vance believes that addressing illegal immigration incrementally, by deporting violent offenders and making it difficult to hire unauthorized workers, will substantially mitigate the issue. "All of this is going to be guided by the resources you have available," Arthur concluded, underscoring the practicality of the proposed measures.
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