The United States is on the verge of initiating one of the largest deportation operations in its history, as the Trump administration prepares to enforce an aggressive plan impacting millions of immigrants. According to data from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cited by Fox News, over 1.4 million foreign nationals have final orders of deportation, and more than 7 million immigrants are classified as "non-detained."
Leading Countries with Nationals on Deportation List
The nations with the highest numbers of citizens facing deportation include:
1. Honduras: 261,651 individuals
2. Guatemala: 253,413
3. Mexico: 252,044
4. El Salvador: 203,822
5. China: 37,908
6. Haiti: 32,363
7. Venezuela: 22,749
8. Pakistan: 7,760
9. Iran: 2,618
10. Uzbekistan: 975
Deportation Priorities
ICE officials have outlined that the Trump administration's deportation efforts will initially concentrate on:
- Immigrants with criminal records: Currently, there are more than 662,566 immigrants with criminal backgrounds in the U.S., with 435,000 convicted of offenses such as visa fraud (16%), driving under the influence (15%), and drug trafficking (15%).
- Individuals with final deportation orders: It is estimated that 55% of these orders are enforceable immediately, while the remainder face legal hurdles.
- Recipients of temporary protected status (TPS): The TPS program, which has shielded over 1.1 million individuals from countries like Venezuela, El Salvador, and Ukraine, may be at risk of termination.
Challenges in Deportation Execution
Despite the U.S. government's efforts, executing these deportations presents several challenges. There are 15 countries deemed "non-cooperative," including Cuba, Venezuela, China, and Iran, which refuse to accept the return of their nationals. Additionally, 11 other countries, such as Nicaragua and South Sudan, are at risk of non-compliance.
ICE also faces legal appeals, deportation protections, and limited operational capacity to carry out mass expulsions. Meanwhile, immigrant rights advocates have voiced concerns about the humanitarian implications of these measures, arguing that many individuals could be sent back to countries where they face significant risks.
Frequently Asked Questions on U.S. Deportation Policies
What countries are most affected by U.S. deportation orders?
Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico are the top three countries with the highest number of nationals facing deportation from the U.S.
What are the main criteria for prioritizing deportations?
The Trump administration prioritizes deporting immigrants with criminal records, those with final deportation orders, and recipients of temporary protected status.
What are the obstacles to executing mass deportations?
Challenges include non-cooperative countries, legal appeals, deportation protections, and limited operational capacity of ICE.