The Immigration and Deportation Conundrums

Americans overwhelmingly favor strong borders, legal immigration, and the deportation of illegal aliens. Yet, fewer than half support President Trump’s immigration policies or ICE. Trump’s challenge is to reclaim our borders and security, while also fostering economic growth and preserving American values.

President Trump’s immigration reforms

In addition to halting illegal immigration at the border, the president has curtailed legal entries by imposing restrictions on work, student, and immigration visas, particularly impacting China and 19 high risk countries. In September, he generally limited H-1B skilled-worker visas to applicants who pay a $100,000 fee, while introducing a Gold Card to expedite permanent residency – for a paltry $1,000,000.

After an Afghan immigrant shot two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. last month, Trump declared a “permanent” pause on migration from “all Third World Countries,” and that he intends to “denaturalize” migrants “who undermine domestic tranquility” and remove those who are “non-compatible with Western Civilization.” The administration announced additional “negative factors” when evaluating visa applications from high-risk countries, a re-examination of green cards issued to immigrants from those countries, and sought comments on expanding the information foreign visitors would be required to provide.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hyperbolically added that “immigration without assimilation is indeed invasion,” and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X, “I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies. Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to AMERICANS. WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.”

Vitriol cedes high ground, makes the administration appear callous, and reduces support for its policies.

Promises and deliverties

Responding to Biden’s open borders, Trump promised the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” White House border czar Tom Homan explained the focus would be on “the worst of the worst” – those who have committed crimes in America, and national security threats.

By using all available legal powers and canceling waivers improvidently granted by the Biden administration, arrests and deportations are up considerably, with 600,000 deported, still far short of the administration’s goal of 3,000 per day. Reasons for the shortfall include unrelenting opposition from Democrats, sanctuary cities that warn illegals of impending ICE action, and activist federal court judges. More than 225 judges have refused to incarcerate aliens during deportation proceedings, while other courts have slowed expulsions of those claiming protection under Biden’s decrees. The Supreme Court blocked deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

More productively, over 1.9 million illegals have utilized an administration program that pays $1,000 to each participant who self-deports, and then permits each to apply to return legally.

In June, the Justice Department announced that it would seek to revoke the citizenship of naturalized citizens who committed certain crimes, including fraud in their applications. The Obama administration set the precedent with Operation Janus. Conversely, after the president acknowledged that ICE is disrupting sectors that rely heavily on illegal migrants, including farming, hospitality, and service industries, raids in these sectors apparently declined.

Current level of support for Trump’s policies

Next year, the Supreme Court will review Trump’s order ending “birthright citizenship” for children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily. If Trump prevails, it would reduce incentives for illegal migration.

Before Trump’s reelection, a CBS/YouGov poll found that more than 60% of registered voters, including a majority of Hispanics, favored deporting illegal aliens. Even after a year of Democrat high dudgeon, disruptive protests, and misleading and manipulative media coverage, a Harvard/Harris poll in October found that 78% of registered voters support deporting criminal illegal aliens (69% of Democrats), and 56% support deporting all “immigrants who are here illegally” (36% of Democrats). A New York Times/Siena poll in September showed similar results.

While he has support, Trump should seek legislation to make permanent his success ending illegal immigration.

In a July Gallup poll, 79% of U.S. adults considered immigration good for the country; 38% were satisfied with the current level, 30% preferred less, and 26% favored an increase. For legal visitors and migrants, Trump should tone down the rhetoric, reconsider the pricing of H-1B and gold card visas, and refine admissions consistent with America’s needs and traditions, with the ability and desire to assimilate key.

Good immigration policy must distinguish between good and bad immigrants

With rare exceptions, any illegal alien who committed a felony within the last 10 years, unvetted migrants from regions that reject our values, and illegals improperly admitted by Biden, must go. Open borders cannot be rewarded.

A different course is appropriate for millions of hard-working, otherwise law-abiding immigrants who arrived years ago, many of whom have raised proud American families. The overwhelming majority of Latin American migrants are family-oriented, industrious Christians who share our values, regardless of potential party affiliation.

In a country with Judeo-Christian principles of forgiveness and rehabilitation, statutes of limitation, and a history of refugees, justice requires rational distinctions and nuanced solutions.

This article was originally published by RealClearPolitics and made available via RealClearWire.