New DHS Milestone: Over 2 Million Undocumented Immigrants Out of the U.S. in Less Than 250 Days
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a significant result in immigration policy: since January 20 of this year, more than 2 million undocumented immigrants have either been formally expelled or have self-expelled from U.S. territory, all within a period of less than 250 days.
You can also read: “Gold Card: The New Immigration Program with Million-Dollar Donations Announced by Trump”
Of that total, around 1.6 million reportedly left voluntarily (self-expulsions), while more than 400,000 were formal deportations. According to official statements, these figures reflect an intensified effort to enforce immigration laws and send a clear message: staying in the U.S. without legal status has consequences. DHS also notes that for four consecutive months, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not allowed the entry of undocumented immigrants, as part of its border control strategy.
The statement attributes part of this trend to the deterrent effects of current policies. It cites an international study suggesting significant reductions in migratory flows toward the U.S., claiming that many potential immigrants decided not to attempt entry due to fear of detention or deportation.
Key Points to Understand the Announcement
- Self-expulsions vs. formal deportations: The figures combine those who voluntarily left the country with those removed through official orders.
- Focus on deterrence: Part of the public message is that stricter immigration policies are effectively discouraging irregular migration.
- Institutional coordination: DHS and CBP play a central role in this reinforced border control effort.
- Political narrative: The announcement is also used to consolidate a firm immigration stance and project strong results to public opinion.
Possible Risks and Criticisms
- Transparency of the numbers: By mixing self-expulsions and deportations, questions may arise about how the different types of exits are counted and compared.
- Circular migration or undocumented returns: Some individuals may attempt to re-enter or move irregularly, complicating the real impact.
- Human rights and protections: An aggressive approach could affect asylum seekers, trafficking victims, or vulnerable people who require international protection.
- External conditions: Decisions to self-expel may be influenced by factors outside migration control, such as violence, local pressure, or conditions in the country of origin or transit.
Recommendations for Interested Readers
- Review the full official reports to verify the methodology used behind the statistics.
- Consult independent sources (human rights organizations, academics, specialized media) to contrast perspectives.
- Observe how these policies affect vulnerable communities, migrants with special needs, or refugees.
- Stay alert to new DHS publications, migration studies, and reports monitoring the real effects of these measures.
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