The Wisdom of Selective Deportation

This may be a conservative heresy, but it is worth considering—Not all illegal undocumented aliens in the US should be deported. Yes, all involved in criminal acts should be top priority and the first to be deported. Yes, deport any undocumented alien adults who are not working and demanding any kind of government support. But what about hard-working undocumented aliens who are providing needed services, supporting their families, and not depending on any kind of government support? Outside of crossing the border illegally, there are many who are respectful of our civil laws and have found ways to provide value to our communities.

Why is this important for President Trump and his administration to consider? Deporting all illegal immigrants may have been a popular pledge that helped get him elected. But what happens when the deportation of otherwise responsible undocumented aliens hits families that benefit from their services? Some have become valuable employees. Many have formed endearing relationships with the families they serve. Sure, it’s easy to say that all undocumented aliens who have come here illegally should be deported. But when people begin putting a face on such deportations, sentiments are likely to begin to shift.

The resulting outcry could mean a gradual loss of support as the administration faces midterm elections. People don’t want illegal immigrants who are free-loaders or those that commit crimes. But Americans a quick to care for those they feel are not being fairly treated.

In an interview by Martin Pengelly noted in the The Guardian, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich expressed his reservations about mass deportations. Gingrich has long been an advocate for legal immigration producing a new documentary, “Journey to America,” which highlights inspiring stories of legal immigrants whose contributions to this country have made a powerful difference.

Gingrich expressed caution regarding mass deportations, “There are gradations here that we’re dealing with…to think through, how do you both meet the long-term identity and national security interests of the country and meet the human concerns. And I think it’s a real challenge,”

He noted that it will be difficult to remove illegals from states that have created a protective status for illegals. Those with legal status in the American system, such as “Dreamers,” might best be given legal status. There should be no easy path to citizenship, but a difficult path that could help them eventually earn citizenship over time could be good for them and for our country.

It will be important for President Trump to realize the importance of maintaining public support. Gingrich has warned Trump: “Lincoln once said that with popular sentiment, anything is possible; without popular sentiment, nothing is possible. Well, you get very many human stories about mothers or babies or children being deported, then support for the deportation program will collapse.”

Right now, a majority of Americans support the removal of people who are in the country unlawfully. But even Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, has learned to temper the scope of their efforts by starting with those committing crimes and those dependent on government support of any kind.

Even with millions having crossed illegally, his initial focus will be on the 1 to 2 million illegal immigrants who are highest priority and can be removed relatively quickly without much complaint from citizens.

The financial cost of mass deportation must also be considered. Homan has admitted, “It all depends on the funding I get from the Hill.” If they don’t allocate adequate funds, his goals will have to be adjusted.

Yes, Americans will support deporting the worst offenders. But going beyond that will require politicians to provide reasons that citizens will understand and support. Doing too many deportations will provide heart-wrenching stories that Americans will quickly melt their initial support.

Those Americans who already hate Trump and suffer from a bad case of Trump-Derangement Syndrome will be looking for any such stories that can reinforce that hate. The mainstream media will do all they can to spread those stories and fuel resistance to such policies.

If President Trump and his team can embrace and sell a more realistic deportation plan, it will show a caring side of the President that will be hard for them to ignore.

As many conservatives have admitted, if they were living in the countries many undocumented have come from, they would have taken advantage of the open Southern border to provide more opportunities for their families. Those from other countries who took that opportunity and are now contributing to our communities and providing for their families might best be kept and embraced instead of being deported.