In 2017, Claudia, a mother of two young children, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Claudia, originally from Mexico, had lived in the United States for over a decade. She had been working in a factory and was raising her children, both U.S. citizens, in a small town in Ohio. Her family had settled in the U.S. after fleeing violence in Mexico, hoping to build a better life. Claudia’s arrest came as a shock. She had no criminal history and had been working with an immigration attorney to try to obtain legal status. Her case gained widespread attention because of the severe emotional toll on her children. When Claudia was detained, her children were left behind, struggling with fear and confusion, not knowing if they would ever see their mother again. “The hardest part is thinking about my children,” Claudia said. “They don’t know what’s going to happen to me.” Her story is a tragic reminder of the real consequences of mass deportation policies on families, particularly children who have U.S. citizenship but find their lives torn apart by the separation from their parents. In the end, after public outcry and pressure from advocacy groups, Claudia was granted a temporary stay of deportation. While her case is not unique, it reflects the precarious lives of undocumented immigrants and the profound impact mass deportation policies have on families. (New York Times)
Mass deportation policies, such as those promoted by Donald Trump, are not only impractical but fundamentally wrong. These policies rip apart families, harm the economy, and erode the values of compassion and inclusion that should define us as a nation. The human cost of mass deportation is one of its most devastating consequences. Families are torn apart, with children—many of whom are U.S. citizens—left to fend for themselves when their parents are forcibly removed. According to a report from the American Immigration Council (2020), approximately 5 million U.S.-born children have at least one undocumented parent. It is deeply unjust to punish children for circumstances beyond their control, and it is heartbreaking to imagine the fear and confusion they experience when a loved one is suddenly taken away. This is not just a political issue; it is a moral failure that should disturb anyone with conscience. A study by the Migration Policy Institute found that 1 in 4 children of undocumented immigrants experience psychological and emotional stress due to the threat of family separation. This stress can have lasting effects on a child’s well-being and future opportunities.
Economically, the impact of mass deportation is equally damaging. Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality—sectors that are vital to the U.S. economy. According to the Center for American Progress, immigrants make up nearly 25% of the workforce in industries like agriculture and construction, areas where labor shortages are particularly acute. These are jobs that many Americans are unwilling to do, and removing these workers creates labor shortages, disrupts businesses, and raises costs for consumers. Studies have shown that mass deportations could lead to a significant decline in GDP and a sharp increase in prices for basic goods and services. A 2017 study by the Cato Institute estimated that deporting all undocumented immigrants could result in a $2.6 trillion loss to the U.S. economy over the next decade. Rather than punishing those who contribute to our economy, we should focus on ways to integrate them into our system legally.
Beyond the economic and humanitarian impacts, mass deportation policies undermine the very values that America claims to stand for. They foster a climate of fear and division, making entire communities feel targeted and unsafe. People are afraid to send their children to school, seek medical care, or even go to work, fearing that doing so could result in their deportation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has highlighted that mass deportation policies lead to increased fear and anxiety in immigrant communities, where people often avoid seeking help or basic services. America has long been a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life, but these policies tarnish that legacy, replacing it with cruelty and exclusion.
Supporters of mass deportation often argue that it is about upholding the rule of law. However, many of the laws being enforced are outdated and fail to account for the complexities of modern immigration. Targeting undocumented immigrants often leads to racial profiling and infringes on the civil rights of others, further dividing our society. A 2019 report from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that immigration enforcement practices disproportionately target Hispanic communities, even though many immigrants in the U.S. come from various countries and ethnic backgrounds. Instead of doubling down on these harmful policies, we should be focusing on comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship and reflects the realities of our interconnected world.
Mass deportation is wrong on every level—moral, economic, and social. It is a policy rooted in fear and exclusion, and it fails to address the real issues at the heart of immigration. We can do better. By rejecting mass deportation and embracing solutions that prioritize humanity, fairness, and practicality, we can work toward a future that upholds the values we claim to stand for. It is time to move beyond policies that harm and divide and instead strive for an America that is just, inclusive, and compassionate.
Natasha Souza: Peace Resource Center Communication Consultant