Why Trump REALLY wants to deport 14 million people

Summary

The video explores Trump's strategy for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, questioning whether his push to remove millions of immigrants has an ulterior motive. It highlights the historical shift in U.S. immigration policies, the militarization of the southern border, and the growing number of undocumented individuals in the U.S. The video delves into how deportation strategies evolved, particularly during Trump's presidency, and examines the economic implications of undocumented workers in sectors like construction and agriculture. The script concludes by reflecting on the complex balance between national security, humanitarian concerns, and economic factors in the immigration debate.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trump's mass deportation plan aims to remove millions of undocumented immigrants, who now make up at least 5% of the US labor force.
• 😀 While illegal border crossings decreased since the late 1990s, the overall number of undocumented immigrants in the US tripled during the same period.
• 😀 A significant portion of undocumented workers is employed in construction and agriculture, with almost 25% of construction workers in Texas being undocumented.
• 😀 Trump's proposed deportation efforts might be motivated by the fact that undocumented workers provide a cheap labor source, which is crucial to certain industries.
• 😀 Despite the decrease in illegal crossings, the number of undocumented immigrants in the US grew to over 14 million by 2025, largely due to policies like 'Prevention Through Deterrence.'
• 😀 The 1990s' border security strategy made it increasingly difficult to cross, leading many undocumented immigrants to stay in the US rather than return to Mexico.
• 😀 The strategy of 'Prevention Through Deterrence' reduced illegal crossings by 75% between 2000 and 2020 but also led to a rise in the number of people staying in the US without documentation.
• 😀 Under Trump's administration, there was a significant push for deportations, with promises to remove 1 million undocumented immigrants per year, particularly focusing on those with criminal records.
• 😀 Trump’s deportation strategy mirrors past policies, such as Eisenhower's 1950s efforts to deport undocumented Mexicans, which used military forces and led to harsh outcomes for families.
• 😀 Trump's immigration policy has sparked a national debate, balancing issues of labor, security, and humanitarian concerns, with both sides highlighting the economic impact of undocumented immigrants.

Q & A

Why is Trump focused on deporting undocumented immigrants despite their significant contribution to the U.S. labor force?

Trump's focus on deportation is partly driven by a desire to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., despite their crucial role in industries like construction and farming. This paradox raises questions about his motivations, possibly including concerns over national security or cultural shifts, rather than purely economic reasons.

How did border security evolve in the U.S. since the 1990s?

In the 1990s, crossing the southern border was easier, but following Mexico's economic collapse, illegal crossings significantly increased. The U.S. responded by ramping up border security, including physical barriers and more agents, which led to a strategy called 'Prevention Through Deterrence.' This strategy reduced illegal crossings by 75% from 2000 to 2020.

What is the 'Prevention Through Deterrence' strategy?

'Prevention Through Deterrence' is a border security strategy that aims to make crossing the U.S. southern border so difficult and dangerous that migrants would be discouraged from attempting it. The strategy includes constructing walls and deploying more agents to patrol and intercept border crossers.

What were the consequences of Trump's border security measures, particularly the construction of the wall?

Trump's border security measures, including the construction of 450 miles of wall, were criticized for being inhumane, forcing migrants to cross in more dangerous areas. Additionally, under his policies, there were reports of children in cages and separated families, which led to significant public outcry.

How did Biden's approach to immigration differ from Trump's?

Biden initially took a more humanitarian approach, ending many of Trump's restrictive policies, focusing on reuniting families, and addressing root causes of immigration in Central America. However, illegal crossings reached record highs during his presidency, which brought challenges in balancing security and compassion.

What impact did stricter border security have on migrant fatalities?

Stricter border security under the 'Prevention Through Deterrence' strategy made the border more dangerous, leading to an increase in migrant fatalities. Despite a drop in illegal crossings over time, the number of deaths at the border continued to rise, with the deadliest years occurring under Biden's administration.

Why did Trump emphasize deporting not just new immigrants, but also those already living in the U.S.?

Trump emphasized deporting undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. as part of a broader campaign to remove all illegal immigrants, not just those crossing the border. This shift marked a significant change from past deportation practices, which mainly targeted those who crossed illegally at the border.

What were the public's views on deporting undocumented immigrants during Trump's presidency?

During Trump's presidency, public opinion on deportation was divided. A significant portion of the population supported deporting all undocumented immigrants, but there was widespread agreement (82%) on deporting immigrants convicted of violent crimes. This reflected a nuanced view where people supported action against criminals but were divided on broader deportation policies.

How did Trump’s approach to immigration resemble past U.S. historical actions?

Trump's approach to immigration, particularly his focus on deporting undocumented immigrants already in the country, drew comparisons to the 1950s 'Operation Wetback' under President Eisenhower. This operation targeted Mexicans living in the U.S. without legal status, using military resources to deport hundreds of thousands, leading to controversy and negative consequences.

What are the potential consequences of mass deportations on U.S. society?

Mass deportations could lead to severe consequences for U.S. society, including labor shortages in key industries like construction and agriculture, where undocumented immigrants play a vital role. It could also create traumatic situations for families and contribute to social and economic instability, particularly in areas highly dependent on immigrant labor.