Deportations of immigrants in the United States have increased significantly in recent months, particularly impacting individuals from Latin America, following the presidency of Donald Trump. This has raised critical questions about which foreign nationals are protected from expulsion.
Those facing deportation come from diverse regions, including Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Since January, immigrants have experienced a rise in deportations coinciding with intensified raids in key states. Despite states retaining the authority to decide whether to follow the directives of the federal government, most have collaborated in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants, many of whom have been removed from protection programs.
Immigrants with Immunity in the United States
While the U.S. government cannot eliminate protection programs for immigrants outright, it can limit them to specific countries. The president, for example, prohibited these programs for countries like Venezuela due to diplomatic conflicts. Currently, immigrants with full immunity from deportation are those who possess a Green Card, granting them the right to work and reside in the U.S., or those enrolled in established protection programs.
The two most prominent immigrant protection programs in the U.S. are Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). These programs are designed for foreign nationals entering the U.S. under specific circumstances, including victims of trafficking and individuals from nations experiencing civil war or armed conflict.
How to Qualify for Immigrant Protection Programs
To be eligible for these programs, specific requirements must be met.
DACA
- Must have arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16.
- Must have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
- Must not have had legal immigration status on June 15, 2012.
- Must be currently in school, have graduated from high school or have a GED, or have served honorably in the Armed Forces.
- Must not have been convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors, or pose a threat to public safety.
TPS
- Must be a national of a country designated for TPS by the U.S. government.
- Must have been present in the U.S. on the date the country was designated for TPS.
- Must not have committed certain serious crimes or pose a threat to security.
- Must meet the application deadlines established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Frequently Asked Questions
What has caused the increase in deportations?
The increase in deportations has occurred following the presidency of Donald Trump, and coincides with intensified raids in states across the U.S.
Which programs offer protection from deportation?
The two main programs are Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), though eligibility requirements apply.
Can these protection programs be eliminated entirely?
No, the programs themselves cannot be eliminated, but they can be limited to certain countries, as demonstrated by the president’s decision to prohibit them for Venezuela.
As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these programs will be affected and whether further limitations or changes will be implemented. Will the current trend of increased deportations continue, or will policy shifts offer greater stability for immigrant communities?