Newsletter week of Nov 19
Deportations during the presidencies of Donald Trump and Barack Obama were significant issues, but the numbers and policies surrounding deportations differed between the two administrations.
Deportation Trends Under Obama (2009-2017):
Under Obama, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported more than 3 million people between 2009 and 2016. This was higher than any previous administration, with annual deportations peaking at around 400,000 per year during his first term.
Deportation Trends Under Trump (2017-2021):
Donald Trump's administration took a dramatically different approach to immigration enforcement, with a strong emphasis on increasing deportations and expanding the scope of individuals targeted for removal, including those without criminal convictions.
Total Deportations:
During Trump’s presidency, the number of deportations declined compared to Obama’s second term, though the focus of enforcement broadened. Approximately 2.8 million people were deported during Trump's time in office, but annual deportation numbers were lower than Obama's peak, with annual deportation totaling 250,000 to 300,000 per year. In 2018, for instance, there were about 256,000 deportations, a significant decline from Obama's peak of 400,000.Expanded Enforcement:
Trump's policies aimed to increase enforcement against a broader range of undocumented immigrants. Under his administration, ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were directed to focus on all undocumented immigrants, not just those with criminal backgrounds. This meant that many people who had lived in the U.S. for years without legal status but without criminal records were targeted for deportation.Trump attempted to end DACA
Trump also sought to end DACA, though the Supreme Court blocked his attempt in 2020.
In summary, Obama’s administration had a higher overall number of deportations, but with a focus on criminals and security threats. Trump, while overseeing fewer deportations in total, broadened the scope of deportation targets to include more people without criminal backgrounds, leading to a more aggressive and controversial approach to immigration enforcement.
Deportations Under Joe Biden (2021-Present)
Total Deportations: As of 2023, Biden's administration has overseen around 1.4 million deportations (through the first three years). While this is lower than Trump’s, it is still significant.
While I have been receiving many calls from anxious clients, you can see from the statistics, there were more deportations under Obama, then under Trump. Now, is the time to attempt an adjustment to your status to legal permanent residence as there are many ways to achieve legal status in the United States. Every case is unique!
