Table Of ContentD
CC
Ou
eporting
r
Nr
e
Tn
Rt
O
V i
E
mmigrants
R
S
I
E
S
The Current Controversies series examines today’s most
important social and political issues. Each volume
D
presents a diverse selection of primary sources e
p
o
representing all sides of the debate in question.
r
t
i
n
“These are excellent resources for research or debate
g
i
that will rouse students interested in contemporary
m
m
and controversial topics.”—Booklist
i
g
r
a
n
t
s
Deporting Immigrants
Other Books in the Current
Controversies Series
Are There Two Americas?
The Confederate Flag
Drones, Surveillance, and Targeted Killings
Enhanced Interrogation and Torture
Genetic Engineering
LGBTQ Rights
Microaggressions, Safe Spaces, and Trigger Warnings
Police Training and Excessive Force
Privacy and Security in the Digital Age
Deporting Immigrants
Anne Cunningham, Book Editor
Published in 2018 by Greenhaven Publishing, LLC
353 3rd Avenue, Suite 255, New York, NY 10010
Copyright © 2018 by Greenhaven Publishing, LLC
First Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.
Articles in Greenhaven Publishing anthologies are often edited for length to meet page
requirements. In addition, original titles of these works are changed to clearly present
the main thesis and to explicitly indicate the author’s opinion. Every effort is made to
ensure that Greenhaven Publishing accurately reflects the original intent of the authors.
Every effort has been made to trace the owners of the copyrighted material.
Cover image: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Cunningham, Anne C., editor.
Title: Deporting immigrants / Anne Cunningham, book editor.
Description: First edition. | New York : Greenhaven Publishing, [2018] |
Series: Current controversies | Includes bibliographical references and
index. | Audience: Grade 9 to 12.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017041743| ISBN 9781534502345 (library bound) | ISBN
9781534502406 (pbk.)
Subjects: LCSH: Illegal aliens--Government policy--United States--Juvenile
literature. | Deportation--United States--Juvenile literature. | United
States--Emigration and immigration--Government policy--Juvenile literature.
Classification: LCC JV6483 .D46 2017 | DDC 325.73--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017041743
Manufactured in the United States of America
Website: http://greenhavenpublishing.com
Contents
Foreword 11
Introduction 14
Chapter 1: Does US Immigration
Policy Have Its Roots in Racism?
Overview: The Enduring Legacy of the 1965 18
Immigration and Nationality Act
Muzaffar Chishti, Faye Hipsman, and Isabel Ball
The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act ushered in the modern
era of US immigration policy. Its lasting achievement was to finally
repeal discriminatory quotas based on country of origin.
Yes: Racism Is the Foundation of US Immigration Policy
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 Initiates Decades of 29
Racist Immigration Policy
Doug Chin
Chinese immigrants provided much of the labor required for
US westward expansion. When jobs became scarce, the Chinese
Exclusion Act was passed to protect white workers from competition.
Mass Deportations Are Already a Part of American 34
History
Adrian Florido
Trump’s campaign promise to deport 11 million immigrants is
nothing new. In the 1930s, millions of Mexicans and Americans of
Mexican descent were repatriated en masse.
No: Early US Immigration Laws Reflect a Complex History
Congress Condemns Chinese Exclusion Act 37
Ted Gong
The 2011–2012 Congress passed H. Res. 683 and H. Res. 282
condemning the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Constituents
overwhelmingly supported formal censure of this blight on the
nation’s history.
Mexican Repatriation Is a Part of Texas History 62
Robert R. McKay
As a border state and former Mexican territory, Texas has a long
history of Mexican repatriation efforts. Most of these deportations
were during the Great Depression era, but significant numbers
occurred prior to 1930.
Chapter 2: Have Deportation and Immigration
Policies Gotten Worse in the New Millennium?
Overview: President Obama’s Ambivalent Record on 72
Immigration
Jessica Bolter, Muzaffar Chishti, and Sarah Pierce
Obama’s critics claim his administration deported too many
undocumented people, earning him the nickname “deporter in chief.”
Conversely, “enforcement-first” advocates say Obama was too soft on
illegal immigration.
Yes: The Obama Administration Aggressively Pursued
Deportations
Mexico Assumes Bulk of Southern US Immigration 83
Enforcement
Genevieve Leigh and Toby Reese
El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala experienced a refugee crisis.
To stem the tide of illegal immigration into the United States, the
Obama administration shifted responsibility to Mexico and provided
training and resources.
Most Deportees Under Obama Committed Only 88
Minor Infractions
America’s Voice
Obama’s immigration policies hurt families. Data shows that despite
the administration’s insistence that it was removing only serious
criminals, most deportees had only traffic or immigration violations.
No: Obama’s Targeted Approach Did What It Needed to Do
Obama Administration Immigration Policy Draws 92
Responses from Both Sides
Marcus Stern
Those who favor tough immigration laws believe the Obama
administration’s focus on deporting serious criminals allowed many
illegal immigrants to remain while immigration advocates argued
policies were less targeted than they could be.
A Closer Look at Obama’s Immigration Policy 98
Scott Horsley
During his first term, the Obama administration deported more
people than that of his predecessor, George W. Bush. Obama
prioritized removals near the border, while allowing many
undocumented immigrants living in the US interior to remain.
Obama Pushed for Immigration Reform While 102
Deporting Millions
Alex Nowrasteh
While pursuing executive actions to shield illegal immigrants from
deportation, Obama deported some 2.5 million illegal immigrants.
Chapter 3: Can Deportation in the Age
of Trump Be a Boon to America?
Overview: Squaring Trump’s Executive Orders on
Immigration with the Facts 107
Fiona Adamson
Trump claimed his executive orders on immigration would make
the nation safer, but his policies did not always align with the facts.
For example, the plan to build a wall on the southern US border
coincided with a fifteen-year low in illegal immigration from Mexico.
Yes: Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration Will Make
America Safer
Trump Unveils Harsh Illegal Immigration 115
Enforcement Goals
Marcelo Rochabrun and Ginger Thompson
Trump’s executive orders on immigration contain provisions allowing
agents to deport undocumented immigrants to Mexico, regardless of
their country of origin. Critics counter that these policies jeopardize
core American values.
Opponents of Trump’s Executive Orders on 121
Immigration Are Overreacting
Sarah Birnbaum
Trump supporter Mark Krikorian argues that Trump’s executive
orders on immigration are temporary and much needed to figure out
a better long-term policy.
No: Trump’s Stance on Immigration Is Racist
Trump Administration Criminalizes Migrants 124
Teresa Gutierrez
The Trump administration expanded the definition of criminality
to include illegal passage into the country. Thus, any undocumented
migrant can be construed as a criminal.
Trump Lacks Mandate for Immigration Overhaul 130
Mae Ngai
Trump’s immigration policies may have been motivated by racism,
but he was successful in energizing supporters who felt left behind by
globalization.
Chapter 4: Are Immigrant and Deportation
Policies Headed in the Right Direction?
Overview: Rhetoric Versus Reality in Trump’s 136
Immigration Policies
Susan Ferriss
Trump’s anti-immigrant campaign rhetoric generated much fear and
confusion among the undocumented in America. The impact on
families and businesses could be disastrous.
Yes: Trump’s Executive Actions on Immigration Are
Defensible Policy
The Aims and Legality of Trump’s Executive Orders 149
on Immigration
Jacqueline Varas
The stated purpose of Trump’s action on immigration is to protect
public safety in the US interior, secure the nation’s borders, and
prevent those who wish to harm citizens from entering the country.
Travel Ban Would Compel Muslim Countries to 156
Address Internal Problems
Salim Mansur
Trump’s temporary immigration ban on seven Muslim majority
countries was met with widespread condemnation. Here, a writer
argues that the restriction is necessary, as it will force the Muslim
world to address instability and violence.
No: Travel Bans and Mass Deportations Are the Wrong Move
Reports Emerge of US Customs and Border Patrol 168
Abuses
Alice Miranda Ollstein
According to multiple reports, travelers from the Muslim majority
countries targeted by Trump’s controversial immigration ban were
pressured by CBP agents to sign away their rights.
Most Deportees Are Not Violent Criminals 176
Teresa Wiltz
President Trump pledged to focus deportation efforts on serious
criminals, much like his predecessor. The rate of violent crime among
undocumented immigrants is lower than that of US citizens, and
many are being removed for minor offenses.
Organizations to Contact 182
Bibliography 186
Index 189
