Illegal immigration and sanctuary policies put federal enforcement efforts at a standstill, as federal judges issue 1.4 million deportation orders.
At a Glance
- Over 1.4 million deportation orders issued with only 13,000 individuals in ICE custody.
- Mass deportation could affect nearly 10 million citizens economically.
- Sanctuary cities challenge federal immigration cooperation.
- Undocumented workers contribute $96.7 billion in taxes.
Current Enforcement Challenges
The United States faces the critical issue of illegal immigration, with 1.4 million illegal immigrants ordered deported according to federal immigration judges. However, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) currently detains only about 13,000 of these individuals. A significant number of others, remaining in the U.S., challenge the enforcement capabilities due to limited cooperation from some cities and states.
Sanctuary policies in cities, like Los Angeles, hinder federal enforcement efforts. Los Angeles’ adoption of a sanctuary city ordinance reflects a broader resistance within local governments against federal deportation activities. The existence of these policies is criticized by ICE, especially when released illegal immigrants re-offend. Such policies exemplify a national ideological struggle over immigration law enforcement approaches.
Reminder: Despite losing the election & polls repeatedly showing Americans favor mass deportations & restrictions on the number of migrants in the country, the Biden/Harris admin is still allowing up to 1,500 migrants to enter the US every day via the CBP One cell phone app & up…
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) November 19, 2024
The Impact of Mass Deportation
A potential 2024 mass deportation program poses challenges, not only logistically but also socially and economically. According to the Center for Migration Studies, implementing such a program could break up nearly 5 million families, many of which are mixed-status households. The economic strain is estimated to push nearly 10 million U.S. citizens, including extended family members, into hardship due to the sudden loss of income.
The deportation of breadwinners from mixed-status households could lead to a drastic decrease in household income, from $75,500 to $39,000, affecting mortgage payments and potentially destabilizing the housing market. Additionally, the cost of raising U.S.-born children left after such deportations might reach $116.5 billion, signaling broader societal strains.
An estimated 1.4 million immigrants in the U.S. already have final deportation orders. #MonitorUpdates
Read more👇🏻 https://t.co/GtFgici633
— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) November 13, 2024
Contributions of Undocumented Immigrants
Despite legal standing issues, undocumented workers have significant contributions to the U.S. economy. A notable labor participation rate of 77.2% and contributions totaling $96.7 billion in taxes highlight their role in sustaining economic systems. Approximately 81.3% of undocumented residents live above the poverty line, with the median household income reported as $71,300.
As policy discussions continue, understanding the interplay between the economics of undocumented workforces and the social dynamics of mixed-status families will be crucial in crafting effective immigration strategies. Effective border security frameworks and cooperation between local and federal authorities remain key to addressing these pressing issues on both economic and humanitarian fronts.
Sources:
- Proposed 2024 Mass Deportation Program Would Socially and Economically Devastate American Families
- 1.4 million illegal immigrants in US have been ordered deported, but have yet to be removed: official
