Trump Plans Mass Deportations and Executive Actions on Illegal Immigration in First Term

CGC News Reporter December 10, 2024

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump outlined ambitious plans for his first term, vowing to deport all immigrants living in the U.S. illegally while seeking a deal to protect “Dreamer” immigrants. In an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Trump confirmed his intention to tackle illegal immigration immediately upon taking office on January 20, declaring it a national emergency. The plan includes using federal resources for a wide-ranging crackdown and taking executive action to end birthright citizenship, which grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

Trump expressed a desire to protect Dreamers—immigrants brought to the U.S. as children—saying that Republicans are open to such a deal. His administration’s past efforts to end protections for Dreamers were blocked by the Supreme Court. The incoming president also discussed potential legal challenges to his push to end birthright citizenship, acknowledging the constitutional hurdles and suggesting the possibility of pursuing a constitutional amendment.

While Trump’s plans include sweeping deportations, experts warn that such a move could cost taxpayers up to $88 billion annually. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, and senior aide Stephen Miller both emphasized the need for significant funding from Congress to support immigration enforcement.