President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is considering ending two Biden administration programs that have allowed more than 1.3 million immigrants to enter the United States legally, making those who entered eligible for deportation but they have not yet received asylum. Two sources familiar with the plan told NBC News. The exact number of people who could be deported after arriving legally in the United States is not known, but it is estimated, the broadcaster reports, to be hundreds of thousands.
Trump’s transition team is considering plans designed to maximize the scope of the deportations. The first immigrants to be targeted could be those deemed by the new administration to be ‘threats,’ including Chinese men considered to be of military age who are living illegally in the United States. This group, the sources explain, also includes convicted criminals who are in the country illegally and those who have final deportation orders. Migrants who arrived in the United States legally under the Biden administration’s two programs could be immune from deportation if they have already obtained asylum or are on track to obtain it, or if they have other legal status to remain in the United States. Otherwise, they could be deported. In any case, Trump’s possible actions on immigration risk being the subject of long legal battles in the US.
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**Interview with Immigration Policy Expert, Dr. Laura Simmons**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Simmons. We’re here to discuss recent developments regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team and their potential immigration policy changes. Can you explain what programs could be affected and the implications of their proposed termination?
**Dr. Simmons:** Absolutely. The Trump transition team is reportedly looking to end two key programs from the Biden administration that have permitted over 1.3 million immigrants to enter the United States legally. Many of these individuals are currently in the process of seeking asylum. If these programs are terminated, it could lead to the deportation of potentially hundreds of thousands of people who are present legally but awaiting their asylum status.
**Editor:** That’s a significant number. What does this mean for the immigrants who might be affected?
**Dr. Simmons:** For these immigrants, the termination of such programs would create immediate uncertainty and fear of deportation, despite their legal entry into the country. It dismantles the security net that has allowed them to establish their lives here while their asylum cases are pending. This could disrupt families, workplaces, and communities, and might leave many in vulnerable situations without adequate support.
**Editor:** What are the broader implications for U.S. immigration policy if these changes go through?
**Dr. Simmons:** The broader implications could be profound. It signals a return to more hardline immigration policies, potentially stoking fears among immigrant communities. It also raises questions about the United States’ commitment to humanitarian processes, such as asylum. If the government starts rescinding legal statuses, it could deter future immigrants from seeking asylum here, fearing they will not be able to live safely while their claims are processed.
**Editor:** Given the political climate, do you anticipate pushback from the public or lawmakers regarding this proposal?
**Dr. Simmons:** Yes, I do expect considerable pushback. Immigration remains a polarizing issue in the U.S., and many advocacy groups and some lawmakers will likely challenge these efforts. There’s a significant concern about the human impact of mass deportation, and many may argue that America should uphold its values by providing refuge for those fleeing persecution.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Simmons. We appreciate your expertise as we continue to monitor this developing story.
**Dr. Simmons:** Thank you for having me.