Should the US deport undocumented migrants?

Sam (No)

Deporting undocumented migrants would halt the significant contributions that these people contribute to the American economy. Recent data from the Center for Migration Studies found that undocumented workers make up as much as 45% of the US agricultural labor force. The labor of undocumented migrants serves as a backbone of essential American industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and caretaking. Additionally, taxes paid by undocumented migrants total about $11.6 billion per year, minimizing the free-rider problem.

Separating families through deportation brings suffering to the affected individuals, families, and communities. Family members remaining in the US after someone is deported often suffer various psychological and social consequences. Psychologically, these families are more likely to live in fear, develop behavioral and emotional issues, and succumb to severe mental health disorders related to anxiety and depression. From a social standpoint, these families are more likely to suffer “economic hardship, housing instability, and food insecurity.” Threats of immigration raids also make undocumented workers and their families less willing to engage with their community for fear that they will draw the attention of immigration officers. 

Deportation also presents administrative challenges, costing the government significant sums of money and requiring immense time commitments from government workers. Since 2003, the US government has spent $442 billion on immigration enforcement, more than “all other federal criminal law enforcement agencies combined.” The American people may be better served if these resources were invested into underfunded agencies that aim to improve Americans’ quality of life, like social services, veteran care, and public transportation.

Luis (Yes)

While every nation should be open in some sense to legal migration, deporting “undocumented migrants”—those who have entered and are staying in the US illegally—is always necessary. Doing this upholds the rule of law, guaranteeing that immigration policies are enforced uniformly and fairly for everyone entering the US.

Sovereignty means that a nation has the right and moral obligation to deport migrants who enter illegally. It’s never morally justifiable to illegally enter a country and then expect all the 'free' benefits and perks that come from living there (as found in taxpayer services like welfare benefits, etc.). Yet that's what many in our political era believe should happen, especially in America. 

Removing foreign nationals here unlawfully is justifiable and one of the best ways to enhance national security. Controlling the flow of people who cross the border mitigates potential threats posed by migrants with unknown backgrounds. Even foreign terrorists have taken advantage of America’s recent open border. Whether or not they’re dangerous, allowing recent crossers to stay in the US is unfair and disrespects those who follow American laws and customs, spend their time and resources taking the proper steps to legalize their migration status, and wait their turn. 

Deporting also prevents unfair competition for resources and jobs, guaranteeing that American citizens and legal migrants have more opportunities. Moreover, it serves as a much-needed deterrent to future would-be migrants, discouraging them from illegally entering the country, as they know their actions have legal consequences.

While America does offer diverse opportunities, no migrant is entitled to them. But a nation does reserve the sovereign right to deport anyone who unlawfully enters. Deportation is the only right response for a nation to take when handling those who knowingly, willingly, and continually break the law.