U.S. Senate GOP Pushes for Swift Mass Deportations in 2024, Graham Reveals

WASHINGTON — A significant focus for Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee is the swift passage of a border security package once President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. This approach will utilize a budget reconciliation process, allowing for expedited legislation.

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina emphasized the necessity of early deportations to regain control of the southern border. The GOP’s proposed measures include increasing the capacity of detention centers and hiring more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

“Without deportations, inflow will persist,” he stated, addressing the urgency of the situation.

However, experts warn that implementing mass deportations could have substantial financial implications. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick from the American Immigration Council remarked that efforts to deport a million individuals could cost approximately $88 billion annually, highlighting the complexities of the immigration crisis with roughly 13 million undocumented residents in the U.S.

During a recent committee hearing, Democrats, who currently hold the Senate majority but will soon transition to the minority, underscored the need for a comprehensive immigration reform rather than mass deportations. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois advocated for “mass accountability” instead of blanket deportation, emphasizing the importance of reforming the immigration system responsibly.

The reconciliation process Graham mentioned could bypass the filibuster’s 60-vote requirement, permitting Republicans to advance their agenda without bipartisan support.

Graham also noted the GOP’s aim to restrict pathways to legal status for individuals who were paroled into the U.S. through executive actions, criticizing specific programs for temporary work permissions for nationals from several countries.

“If you’re here illegally, prepare for departure,” Graham asserted.

A key testimony came from Foday Turay, a DACA recipient, who highlighted the severe personal implications of potential deportation. As an assistant district attorney, he conveyed the devastating impact it would have on his family, particularly on his U.S. citizen wife and son.

Another poignant testimony addressed the tragic consequences of illegal immigration when Patty Morin described her daughter’s murder at the hands of an undocumented individual. Durbin clarified that while Democrats support the enforcement of immigration laws against criminals, the broad scope of Trump’s mass deportation strategy would also jeopardize law-abiding individuals like Turay.

Graham expressed hope for a bipartisan resolution concerning DACA, diverging from previous stances to potentially support a solution allowing DACA recipients to remain in the U.S.

Concerns also arose regarding Trump’s suggestion to deploy the National Guard for mass deportations. Retired Major General Randy Manner cautioned against utilizing military personnel for this role, arguing it could impede military readiness and negatively impact public trust.

The financial ramifications of mass deportations extend beyond individual families. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota highlighted potential harm to various industries reliant on immigrant labor, including agriculture and construction. Reichlin-Melnick reiterated that most undocumented immigrants lead law-abiding lives and contribute to the economy.

In a controversial proposal, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn suggested empowering local law enforcement to execute deportations, a point supported by Art Arthur from the Center for Immigration Studies.

Last updated 2:23 p.m., Dec. 10, 2024