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President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on his tough immigration policies in an interview aired Sunday, asserting that he would “have to” deport every undocumented immigrant in the U.S. His comments were a clear extension of the hardline approach he championed throughout his campaign, which also includes plans to end birthright citizenship for children born on American soil.
“You have to do it,” he said during an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” after being asked if he planned on deporting “everyone who is here illegally over the next four years” of his term.
He also used his first formal television interview after the November election to insist he would end birthright citizenship — enshrined in the US Constitution — “if we can, through executive action,” calling it “ridiculous.”
The social and economic consequences of such policies extend far beyond any legal battle. For the millions of undocumented immigrants who have contributed to the U.S. economy for years, the prospect of deportation creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear.
As families face potential separation, the emotional and psychological toll could be immense, particularly on U.S.-born children, who could be left without their primary caregivers. Economically, industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality, which rely on immigrant labor, could see devastating disruptions, with labor shortages crippling vital sectors that are fundamental to the nation’s economic health.
These policies carry the risk of amplifying existing divisions within society, nurturing an environment ripe for fear and resentment toward immigrant communities. In regions where immigrants are integral to the social and economic fabric, the effects could be devastating, leading to fractures within communities, cities, and even entire states.
As immigrant groups face mounting hostility and prejudice, children born in the U.S. would not be immune to the turmoil. They could find themselves caught between two worlds—one where they are citizens, and another where their parents, who are essential to their lives, are targeted due to their legal status.
Read also: Biden Weighs Legal Shields Amid Trump’s Rumored Payback Plot
The push to eliminate birthright citizenship is more than just a policy change—it’s a political gambit with far-reaching ramifications. The nation’s debate over immigration is already sharply divided, and Trump’s proposals are likely to exacerbate these tensions.
For his supporters, enforcing stricter immigration policies is seen as a long-overdue remedy to what they perceive as a crisis that has been left unchecked for far too long. His earlier campaign promises—building a southern border wall and deporting millions—struck a chord with voters who feel that the nation’s security and job market have been undermined by lax immigration laws.
However, opponents contend that these proposals would do more than damage immigrant communities—they would strike at the core principles that have long defined the United States. Immigrant rights advocates, including legal immigrants, argue that the move to end birthright citizenship is a perilous step toward fostering racial and cultural exclusion. This debate, then, is not merely about immigration policy—it’s about defining the kind of society America aspires to be. The national discourse on this issue is charged with emotion, with each camp pushing for a vision of the future that stands in stark contrast to the other.
Finally, the international community is likely to react strongly to the potential repercussions of Trump’s immigration stance. Countries with significant immigrant populations in the U.S.—particularly Mexico and other nations in Central America—could find their diplomatic relationships with the U.S. strained.
The threat of mass deportations might prompt governments to reconsider their cooperation with U.S. immigration enforcement, or even lead to backlash from migrant advocacy organizations globally. Trump’s hardline policies could potentially undermine long-standing alliances and create new diplomatic tensions with countries that rely on the U.S. for trade, security, and foreign aid.
