By Ritu Jha-
President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January has reignited uncertainty among immigrant communities, from undocumented residents to legal immigrants waiting for permanent residency.
In particular, Trump’s campaign references to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Operation Wetback” deportation program have fueled speculation about his administration’s approach to immigration policy.
Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and an expert on U.S. immigration law, shared his insights on what a second Trump term could mean for immigrants.
Deportations: Tough Rhetoric, Practical Limits
Chishti said large-scale deportations are logistically and legally impractical, even though the administration may project an image of strict enforcement. The U.S. immigration system, already strained with a 3.7 million-case backlog, lacks the capacity for mass deportations.
“Deporting 11 million people is not operationally feasible,” Chishti said. “Trump’s administration will likely create a perception of tough enforcement, but the reality will be more measured.”
Although enforcement actions and family separations could intensify, Chishti emphasized that constitutional rights to due process would constrain immediate removals.
Challenges for Legal Immigration
Legal immigrants may face heightened obstacles under Trump’s policies. Chishti expects the administration to reverse Biden-era priorities that focus on deporting recent arrivals and criminals, instead designating all undocumented immigrants as enforcement targets.
“Under Trump 2.0, everyone becomes a priority for deportation,” Chishti said, predicting that this could increase fear among the 12 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., despite logistical limits on mass removals.
Trump’s previous term slashed refugee admissions, and Chishti anticipates similar cuts. However, significant changes to legal immigration pathways would require Congressional action, which remains unlikely.
Business Interests and Labor Needs
Despite Trump’s hardline rhetoric, Chishti said the U.S. labor market’s reliance on foreign workers in healthcare, construction, agriculture, and hospitality could temper immigration policies.
“America’s aging population and labor market demands mean immigration is essential for economic stability,” he said. “If Trump addresses border control, it could open the door for reforms to legal immigration channels.”
Impact on Indian Immigrants
Indian migrants, both undocumented and those seeking green cards, could face unique challenges. More than half a million undocumented Indians live in the U.S., and deporting them poses significant logistical hurdles, Chishti said, noting that countries like India and China often resist accepting deportees.
“While deportations to India might continue, they will likely remain limited,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Chishti urged immigrant rights groups and legal advocates to prepare for a potential surge in enforcement actions, including workplace raids and legal challenges.
While Trump’s second term is expected to prioritize border enforcement, Chishti expressed cautious optimism that it could also lay the groundwork for legal immigration reforms.
“We face twin challenges: securing the border and meeting labor market demands,” he said. “If the administration effectively addresses border concerns, it might pave the way for much-needed reforms to legal immigration channels.”
