A Houston father is pleading for assistance from lawmakers following the detention and deportation of his wife and children to Mexico. His two daughters, born in the U.S. in September, were included in the deportation. The wife is still recovering from a recent C-section, adding to the family’s distress. The father is seeking help to reunite his family.
In a recent interview, President-elect Trump reiterated his intention to deport all undocumented immigrants, including those with U.S. citizen children, to avoid family separation. This policy, aligning with the views of his incoming “border czar,” would involve the deportation of entire families. He acknowledged potential public backlash but insisted on enforcing immigration laws, even if it means ending birthright citizenship by amending or circumventing the 14th Amendment. Trump believes these measures are necessary to address what he describes as the nation’s immigration crisis.
Donald Trump’s announced plans for mass deportations during a second term will severely harm nearly 20 million US-born children with immigrant parents. These policies, which aim to create a climate of fear within immigrant communities, will inflict significant psychological damage on these children, echoing the trauma caused by previous administrations’ family separation policies. Unlike prior administrations, however, Trump’s actions appear intentionally designed to cause this harm as a means of deterring immigration. The long-term effects will include increased stress, limited access to essential services, and potential family separation, forcing children to leave the US alongside deported parents.
In short, the incoming administration plans a large-scale deportation operation prioritizing individuals with criminal associations, denied asylum seekers, or those from designated countries. This initiative, supported by a majority of Americans in general but less so regarding family separations, will utilize intelligence agencies for targeting and potentially involve the military in logistical support. Despite this, significant opposition is anticipated from various states and cities, with some officials even vowing civil disobedience. The plan’s scope remains broad, potentially affecting even long-term residents.
John Q. Hosedrinker