World Blog by humble servant. Editorial on the debate on Deportation. Media forgets Obama TOUGH and correct stance on Deportation. Deporter -in - Chief

Obama history on deportation

Answer

Barack Obama's presidency (2009-2017) is notably characterized by a significant number of deportations, leading to him being dubbed the "Deporter-in-Chief" by some critics. Here's a detailed overview based on available information:

Deportation Numbers: During his two terms, the Obama administration deported over 2.5 million people. This figure does not include those who were turned away or returned at the border by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 

Policy Focus: 

Criminals and Recent Arrivals: The administration shifted its focus towards deporting individuals with criminal records, as well as those apprehended immediately at the border. This was part of a broader strategy to prioritize national security, border security, and public safety.

ICE Priorities: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was directed to concentrate efforts on deporting felons, not families, although this policy evolved over time. By 2015, it was reported that 91% of those removed from inside the U.S. had criminal convictions.

Executive Actions: 

In 2012, Obama signed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to provide temporary amnesty from deportation for eligible young immigrants. 

In 2014, he announced further executive actions aimed at providing relief for certain groups, though these were met with significant legal and political challenges.

Criticism and Defense:

Criticism: Immigration advocacy groups criticized Obama for the high deportation numbers, arguing that these deportations often separated families, including those with U.S.-born children. 

Defense: The administration contended that they were enforcing existing laws while trying to make the system more humane. They highlighted efforts to prioritize the deportation of serious offenders over law-abiding undocumented immigrants.

Comparison with Other Administrations:

Obama's deportation figures surpassed those of his predecessors. For instance, George W. Bush's administration saw just over 2 million deportations during his time in office. However, it's noted that the way deportations were counted changed, with more people being formally deported rather than simply returned, which contributed to higher numbers.

Legacy and Impact: 

The high number of deportations under Obama has been a point of contention, influencing immigration policy debates and shaping how subsequent administrations approached immigration enforcement. His tenure saw a complex balance between enforcement and attempts at reform, which did not satisfy all parties involved in the immigration debate.

This summary reflects the nuanced reality of Obama's deportation policy, where enforcement was ramped up, but with a focus on prioritizing certain groups, alongside efforts to provide relief through executive actions like DACA.