In recent months, discussions around immigration enforcement and deportations have been widespread. With news reports and social media stirring up fears about impending deportations, many individuals are understandably concerned. However, it’s important to stay informed about the actual priorities of immigration authorities under the current administration, which may help ease these worries.
Immigration Enforcement Priorities
While it's true that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does carry out deportations, it's essential to understand that the agency’s enforcement priorities are not aimed at deporting everyone who is undocumented. The current administration has set clear guidelines to focus deportation efforts on individuals who pose a higher risk to public safety or who have broken the law in significant ways.
The primary targets for immigration enforcement are individuals who:
Have Criminal Convictions: Those who have been convicted of serious crimes, including violent offenses, drug trafficking, or other criminal activity, are a top priority for deportation. These individuals have already been judged by the criminal justice system and are considered a threat to public safety.
Have Deportation Orders: Immigration authorities are also prioritizing individuals who have already received a formal deportation order from a judge. These individuals are actively in violation of U.S. immigration laws and may be subject to removal if they are still present in the country.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you do not have a criminal conviction and are not under an active deportation order, the likelihood of deportation is much lower. Immigration enforcement is not targeting individuals without criminal histories who are lawfully contributing to their communities. So, for the vast majority of immigrants who are living and working peacefully in the U.S., there is little reason to panic.
Deportation Numbers and Focus Under Previous Administrations
To better understand the current approach to immigration enforcement, it’s helpful to look at the deportation numbers and focuses during past administrations:
Deportations (in millions):
Clinton Administration (1993–2001): Approximately 1.9 million deportations.
Bush Administration (2001–2009): Approximately 2.0 million deportations.
Obama Administration (2009–2017): Approximately 2.7 million deportations.
Trump Administration (2017–2021): Approximately 1.3 million deportations.
Biden Administration (2021–Present): Data for the Biden administration is still evolving. As of 2023, estimates suggest over 1 million deportations, with annual deportations averaging around 200,000–250,000 in the first few years. Data does not include 2024, so the exact final numbers will continue to increase as the administration progresses towards the end of the term.
Key Context:
Clinton and Bush saw significant increases in deportations due to policies like the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) under Clinton and the Secure Fence Act of 2006 under Bush.
Obama had high deportation numbers, especially in the first term, but focused on deporting individuals with criminal records or immigration violations.
Trump implemented stricter enforcement, prioritizing criminal immigrants and border enforcement, resulting in a significant number of deportations.
Biden has aimed for a more nuanced approach, focusing on high-priority cases like those with serious criminal backgrounds, but deportations have still occurred at a high rate.
Protect Yourself: Know Your Rights
Even in this context, it’s crucial to be aware of your rights. If you are approached by immigration enforcement, you have certain protections under U.S. law:
Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or show identification unless you are being arrested.
Right to Legal Representation: If you are detained by immigration authorities, you have the right to contact an attorney.
Make contingent plans for your minor children: Contact our office to help you prepare legal documents for temporary custody of your minor children if you should be detained or deported.
Stay Informed, Not Fearful
While it’s important to remain vigilant and aware of any changes in immigration laws or enforcement, it’s equally important to avoid letting fear control your actions. As mentioned earlier, Deportation priorities under the current administration are designed to focus on individuals who are considered a significant risk to public safety or who have already been ordered to leave the U.S.
For most people living in the U.S. without criminal convictions or deportation orders, there’s no need to panic. If you do have concerns about your immigration status, schedule a consultation with us to clarify any questions you have and ensure you understand your rights and options.
Final Thoughts
Deportation news can be unsettling, but it’s essential to stay informed, not fearful. I’ll say it again here one last time to be sure the message is clear; Immigration authorities are focused on individuals who have committed crimes or who have already been ordered to leave the U.S.
If you don’t fall into those categories, there is no immediate reason to worry. Stay calm, know your rights, and seek legal advice if necessary. If you would like to properly prepare for any contingencies you can schedule your free consultation with us by clicking here.
Remember: panic solves nothing! However, understanding, knowledge and preparation can help you navigate these challenges with confidence.
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