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About 11 Million Undocumented Immigrants, 230 Thousand Brazilians in the Crosshairs, and the Return of the “Remain in Mexico” Policy: Trump Mobilizes National Guard at the Border and Launches New Phase of Mass Deportation in the US.
With Donald Trump’s new term, mass deportation in the US is back in the spotlight. Shortly after taking office, Trump declared a national emergency at the Southern border and announced that he would reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, one of his trademarks during his first term. But how does this reinstatement affect thousands of immigrants, including Brazilians?
Trump did not waste any time: he announced the deployment of the National Guard to the border, arguing that there is a “monstrous invasion” of immigrants. For those closely following the issue, it is clear that immigration policies have hardened again, mainly targeting Latin Americans.
How Does the Mass Deportation Policy Work?
The general idea is simple: to accelerate the removal of undocumented immigrants, prioritizing those with legal issues. But this does not mean that only those who have committed crimes will be affected. In his first term, Trump relied on quick actions at the border and threatened those who were in the country without the proper documents.
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According to recent data, about 11 million people live without legal status in the US, many of them being Latinos. Within this group, there are individuals with criminal records, but also families who have been working and studying there for years. Among Brazilians, it is estimated that 230 thousand are undocumented. This makes you wonder about the size of the challenge to deport so many people, right?
One of the pillars of this mass deportation policy is to prioritize those who have already been through the legal system. There are over 600 thousand cases of foreigners with records, many of whom are already incarcerated for various crimes—mainly immigration violations and drug trafficking. As soon as they finish serving their sentences, these people are to be deported. It’s almost like a waiting list to leave the country.
Sending military to the border not only affects the lives of immigrants but also the internal politics. Imagine a large “living wall” formed by soldiers. The idea is to block as many people as possible from entering the US without documents, including those seeking asylum.
“Remain in Mexico” and Other Measures from Trump’s First Term
Do you remember the policy known as “Remain in Mexico”? In 2018, Trump implemented a measure that required asylum seekers to wait for their processes to be completed in the neighboring country. This caught many people by surprise and, of course, created a complicated situation for those already fleeing precarious conditions.
At the onset of the pandemic, another heavy measure came into play: Title 42. It allowed for the rapid expulsion of anyone crossing the border without documents, citing public health risks. Millions of people were sent back, most of whom came from Latin America. Biden suspended this title in 2023, but now Trump intends to reinstate similar policies, creating a new “expedited removal.”
In the most recent period, record apprehensions at the border have been reported. Mexicans lead the group, followed by Guatemalans, Venezuelans, and Hondurans. Brazilians appear lower in the ranking, but there are still thousands of people facing the harshness of being apprehended at the border.
Many people who entered the country during Biden’s administration have been awaiting asylum processes. Some have received temporary protected status, especially those coming from war-torn or humanitarian crisis countries like Venezuela, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Sudan. With the government change, everything could change. Temporary protections, set to last until 2026, may simply not be renewed, leaving more people vulnerable to deportation.
Direct Impacts on Brazilians and Other Groups
Mass deportation in the US often does not choose who will leave or not. However, certain groups end up being even more targeted.
With about 230 thousand Brazilians living in the US without updated documentation, the pressure is enormous. Many have been building lives there for years, with children in school and stable jobs. However, the new government’s message is clear: if you are undocumented, prepare to face an immigration crackdown.
The “Dreamers” are young people brought to the US as children who until now have relied on the DACA protection. This policy, created by Obama, allows them to study, work, and gradually legalize their status. However, there are already court rulings questioning the legality of DACA. If the Trump administration does not renew the program, the fate of these young people is at risk.
It is impossible not to think about the drama of families that may be separated. Deported parents, children born on American soil… Imagine the pain of having to choose between leaving the children in the US or taking them back to a country they may have never lived in. It’s like putting together a puzzle where each piece represents a broken heart.
Future and Possible Scenarios
Now that the Trump administration has a majority in the Senate and the House, changes to immigration law are expected to occur at a rapid pace. Although there are opposing pressures from human rights groups, this does not always stop the presidential pen.
The Republican Congress tends to support mass deportation initiatives. Of course, there are voices trying to moderate harsher policies, but with the majority in favor, the chances are that measures like “Remain in Mexico” will be quickly reactivated.
Those who remain in the country without documents or awaiting asylum processes may face even more difficulties. Authorities may tighten enforcement, conduct raids at workplaces, and ultimately limit the possibility of legal remedies.
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