In a wide-ranging interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press with Kristen Welker," US President-elect Donald Trump outlined his ambitious plans to deport all immigrants living in the country illegally during his four-year term.
He also expressed interest in striking a deal to protect so-called "Dreamer" immigrants—those brought to the US as children.
Mass Deportations and Declaring a National Emergency
Trump, a Republican securing a second term after campaigning on a tough immigration platform, said he plans to declare illegal immigration a national emergency upon taking office on January 20. This would enable him to mobilize federal resources for a sweeping crackdown.
The US Department of Homeland Security estimated about 11 million undocumented immigrants resided in the country as of January 2022, a number likely to have risen.
When asked whether he intended to deport everyone without legal status, Trump responded, "I think you have to do it. It's a very tough thing to do. You know, you have rules, regulations, laws."
Protecting Dreamers
Despite his hardline stance, Trump indicated a willingness to negotiate protections for Dreamer immigrants.
He claimed Republicans were open to the idea, marking a potential shift from his previous presidency (2017–2021), during which he attempted to dismantle Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)—a program granting deportation relief and work permits to Dreamers. His efforts were thwarted by the Supreme Court.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
On his first day in office, Trump plans to take executive action aimed at ending birthright citizenship, which automatically grants citizenship to anyone born on US soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.
The legal foundation for this policy is rooted in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and supported by an 1898 Supreme Court ruling.
Acknowledging the legal challenges this move would face, Trump suggested that Republicans might need to pursue a constitutional amendment—a complex and lengthy process.
"We'll maybe have to go back to the people," he remarked.
Funding the Crackdown
Trump's incoming border czar, Tom Homan, and deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, have both emphasized the need for a substantial funding increase for immigration enforcement.
Speaking on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Homan noted that the minimum funding requirement could approach $88 billion annually, a figure previously estimated by the pro-immigration American Immigration Council for deporting all undocumented immigrants over a decade.
"We're going to need as much money as Congress can get us," Homan stated.
Controversy and Challenges
Trump’s immigration plans have reignited debates over the feasibility, cost, and morality of mass deportations and the revocation of birthright citizenship.
Critics argue these measures could strain federal resources, disrupt families, and lead to protracted legal battles.
Meanwhile, Trump's allies insist the policies are necessary to secure the nation’s borders and enforce the rule of law.
As Trump prepares to take office, his aggressive immigration agenda is poised to become a defining issue of his second term.
