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Around 11 million undocumented immigrants, 230 Brazilians in the crosshairs and the return of the “stay in Mexico” policy: Trump mobilizes Armed Forces on the border and launches a new phase of mass deportation in the US.
With Donald Trump’s new term, mass deportations in the US are back in the spotlight. Shortly after taking office, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and announced that he would resume the “remain in Mexico” policy, one of his trademarks during his first term. But how does this resumption affect thousands of immigrants, including Brazilians?
Trump wasted no time: he announced the deployment of the Armed Forces to the border, arguing that there is a “monstrous invasion” of immigrants. For those who follow the topic closely, it is clear that migration policies have hardened again, targeting mainly Latin Americans.
How does the mass deportation policy work?
The general idea is simple: speed up the removal of undocumented immigrants, prioritizing those with outstanding legal issues. But that doesn't mean that only those who have committed crimes will be affected. In his first term, Trump focused on swift action at the border and threatened those who were inside the country without the correct documents.
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According to recent data, around 11 million people live without legal status in the US, many of them Latinos. Among this group, there are people with criminal records, but also families who have worked and studied there for years. Among Brazilians, it is estimated that 230 thousand are in an irregular situation. This makes you imagine the size of the challenge of deporting so many people, doesn't it?
One of the pillars of this mass deportation policy is to prioritize those who already have a criminal record. There are more than 600 cases of foreigners on record, many of whom are already in prison for various crimes — mainly immigration violations and drug trafficking. As soon as they finish serving their sentences, these people must be deported. It is almost like a waiting list to leave the country.
Sending military personnel to the border affects not only the lives of immigrants, but also domestic politics. Imagine a large “living wall” made up of soldiers. The idea is to block as much as possible the entry of those seeking to reach the United States without documents, including those seeking asylum.
“Stay in Mexico” and other measures from Trump’s first term
Do you remember the “Remain in Mexico” policy? In 2018, Trump implemented a measure that forced asylum seekers to wait for their cases to be processed in the neighboring country. This took many people by surprise and, of course, created a complicated situation for people who were already fleeing precarious conditions.
At the beginning of the pandemic, another heavy-handed 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, the vast majority 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 number of seizures was broken at the border. 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 arrested at the border.
Many people who entered the country during the Biden administration were left waiting for asylum procedures. Some received temporary protected status, especially from countries at war or experiencing humanitarian crises, such as Venezuela, Ukraine, El Salvador and Sudan. With the change of administration, everything could change. The 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 deportations in the US often do not choose who leaves or not. However, there are groups that end up being even more targeted.
With around 230 Brazilians living in the US without up-to-date documentation, the pressure is enormous. Many have been building a life there for years, with children in school and stable jobs. However, the message from the new government is clear: if you are undocumented, be prepared to face a immigration checkpoint.
The “Dreamers” are young people who were brought to the United States as children and who, until then, had the protection of DACA. This policy, created by Obama, allows them to study, work and gradually become legal. However, there are already court decisions 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. Parents deported, children born on American soil… Imagine the pain of having to choose between leaving your children in the US or taking them back to a country where they may never have lived. It is like putting together a puzzle in which each piece represents a broken heart.
Future and possible scenarios
Now that the Trump administration has a majority in both the Senate and the House, changes to immigration law are likely to happen at a rapid pace. Although there is pressure from human rights groups to oppose it, this does not always stop the president's pen.
The Republican Congress tends to support mass deportation initiatives. Of course, there are voices that try to moderate the harshest policies, but with the majority in favor, the chances are that measures like “Remain in Mexico” will be quickly revived.
About Us remains in the country without documents or awaiting proceedings Asylum seekers may face even more difficulties. Authorities may tighten enforcement, raid workplaces, and ultimately further limit their ability to seek legal recourse.
