New Books in Political Science Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan: Can He Really Do It?
Nov 28, 2024
In this discussion, Kitty Calavita, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita at UC Irvine and an expert in immigration law, dives into the historical backdrop of mass deportation in the U.S. She draws parallels between Operation Wetback and Trump's proposed strategies, emphasizing the economic reliance on undocumented workers. Calavita highlights significant logistical and legal hurdles that would complicate massive deportation efforts today, suggesting that while high-profile raids may occur, large-scale deportations remain unlikely.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Growers' Interests Then and Now
- Growers' interests were key in Operation Wetback, accepting deportations in exchange for a regulated Bracero program workforce.
- Today, immigrants are more integrated across industries, making mass deportation more complex and potentially facing employer opposition.
Operation Wetback Tactics
- Operation Wetback involved neighborhood inspections, roadblocks, and mass roundups by local police and INS.
- Though touted as a success, the operation faced criticism for deporting legal residents and citizens.
Challenges to Mass Deportation
- Deporting 11 million immigrants, as Trump promised, faces logistical and legal challenges like locating people and Fourth Amendment protections.
- The wide discretion given to Customs and Border Protection within 100 miles of any U.S. border complicates the issue.