On November 20, 2024, Sean Hannity proposed a controversial solution to the ongoing migrant crisis, suggesting that undocumented migrants who voluntarily self-identify should receive $1,000 and a plane ticket to leave the U.S. This proposal comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history, set to begin on January 20, 2025 [81e355a1]. Trump claims there are over 20 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, while Pew Research estimates the figure to be around 11 million as of mid-2022 [b38b6f1d]. Hannity emphasized the importance of respecting laws and borders, stating that those who do not comply with the new policies will be sent home [81e355a1].
The ACLU Foundation of Southern California has already filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking records related to Trump's mass deportation plan, including contracts for deportation flights [c9b076a6]. Economists warn that Trump's plan could lead to a significant recession by removing millions of workers from the labor force, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on undocumented labor, such as agriculture and construction [a3d35c19]. Laura Collins from the Bush Institute has highlighted that the incoming Trump Administration's deportation plans could cost the U.S. trillions in GDP, with Trump himself stating that the cost of deportation 'doesn’t matter' [b6cb39b9].
Hector Quiroga, an immigration attorney, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that mass deportations could severely disrupt the U.S. economy [81e355a1]. A CNN poll has shown a 20-point increase in support for deportations from 2017 to 2024; however, a Data for Progress survey revealed that most Americans oppose the deportation of all undocumented immigrants, with only specific scenarios receiving majority support [81e355a1].
Trump's incoming 'border czar', Tom Homan, along with Stephen Miller, has been appointed to lead aggressive deportation efforts, which may include using military assets for mass deportations [b38b6f1d]. Homan has estimated that deporting 13.3 million undocumented immigrants could cost around $315 billion, while deporting 1 million annually could incur nearly $90 billion in expenses [64d907e4]. Experts predict that the overall costs of a prolonged deportation program could approach $1 trillion [b38b6f1d]. Critics warn that such mass deportations could lead to higher prices for food and housing due to labor shortages [64d907e4].
As the political landscape evolves, the intertwined nature of immigration policy and public trust in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains critical. Recent surveys indicate that a majority of Latino voters oppose Trump's deportation plans, emphasizing the need for informed discussions on these pressing matters [6ae5eac9]. The future of DHS under Trump's leadership will depend heavily on the administration's ability to respect the rule of law and rebuild trust with the American public [7470048e]. Rising unemployment and lower productivity are predicted as a result of these policies, suggesting that political promises may come at a steep economic cost [a3d35c19]. Economists project that mass deportations could reduce GDP by 2.6% to 6.2% and increase inflation [b38b6f1d]. Legal challenges against Trump's plans are also expected, including reviving Title 42 and ending DACA [b38b6f1d].
The implications of Trump's deportation agenda extend beyond the U.S., particularly affecting countries like Kenya. As of 2019, there were approximately 2.1 million sub-Saharan African immigrants in the U.S., with around 30,000 undocumented Kenyans reported by 2020 [a6aef309]. The potential deportation of these individuals could have adverse effects on Kenya's economy, especially considering that remittances from Kenyans in the U.S. contribute significantly to the national economy, amounting to KSh 600 billion annually [a6aef309]. Moreover, the deportees are likely to be low-income earners, further straining the economic situation in Kenya. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on U.S.-Africa relations, with fears that a more aggressive deportation policy could favor China's influence in the region [a6aef309]. Implementation challenges are anticipated as ICE currently has fewer than 30,000 employees, which may be insufficient for the mass deportation efforts envisioned by the Trump administration [a6aef309].