U.S. immigration enforcement faces a crisis as thousands of deportation orders remain unexecuted, with nearly 38,000 Chinese nationals still in the country despite being slated for removal.
At a Glance
- Almost 38,000 Chinese nationals remain in the U.S. despite deportation orders
- Over 1.4 million noncitizens with deportation orders are not currently detained by ICE
- House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green criticizes the Biden administration’s immigration policies
- Concerns raised about potential security risks from undeported individuals
Unexecuted Deportation Orders Raise Alarm
A recent investigative report has uncovered a troubling gap in U.S. immigration enforcement. Despite receiving deportation orders, nearly 38,000 Chinese nationals continue to reside in the United States. This issue extends beyond China, affecting individuals from various countries including Iran, Venezuela, and Haiti. The inability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to carry out these orders has sparked significant criticism and raised concerns about national security.
The scale of the problem is staggering. As of November 24, 2024, there are 1,445,549 foreign nationals on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal. This figure includes individuals who have been ordered to leave the country but are not currently in ICE custody. The majority of these illegal aliens ordered deported are from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but the list spans numerous nations.
Criticism of Current Policies
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green has been vocal in his criticism of the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. Green argues that the Biden administration has severely limited ICE’s capabilities to detain and remove individuals who are in the country illegally, even those who have been ordered to leave by immigration judges.
“hamstrung ICE’s ability to detain and remove those here illegally — even those who have been ordered to be removed by immigration judges.” – House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN)
The criticism extends to the lack of transparency from ICE regarding the reasons behind their inability to execute deportation orders. When questioned, ICE officials stated they were “unable to provide a list of case-specific reasons why the agency is unable to remove certain noncitizens on the non-detained docket with final orders.” This lack of clarity has only fueled further concerns about the efficacy of current immigration enforcement policies.
Security Concerns and Challenges
The presence of such a large number of individuals from countries like China who have been ordered deported but remain in the U.S. has raised serious security concerns. Some experts worry about the potential for espionage or cyberattacks, particularly given the strained relations between the U.S. and China. The situation is further complicated by the fact that some countries are labeled as “uncooperative” or at risk of non-compliance in accepting deported nationals.
“These devastating numbers are yet more incontrovertible proof of this reality, and should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers. It is absolutely critical that Congress fully support the incoming Trump administration’s efforts to undo this damage and once again enforce our immigration laws and secure our borders.” – House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green
ICE cites several reasons for the difficulties in removing those with final orders, including ongoing appeals and various forms of deportation protection. According to the agency, approximately 55% of final orders are currently executable, though this figure is subject to change. The incoming Trump administration has indicated plans to prioritize public safety threats in its deportation efforts, signaling a potential shift in approach to this complex issue.
Looking Ahead
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, Chairman Green emphasizes the need for Congress to support efforts to enforce immigration laws and secure borders. With the change in administration on the horizon, many are watching closely to see how these challenges will be addressed and what new policies may be implemented to tackle the backlog of unexecuted deportation orders.
The situation remains fluid, with the Biden administration recently conducting multiple removal flights to China. However, the sheer number of individuals remaining in the country despite deportation orders suggests that significant changes may be necessary to address this ongoing challenge to U.S. immigration policy and national security.
Sources:
- Report: Nearly 38,000 Chinese Illegals Still in U.S. Despite Deportation Orders
- New data reveals America has tens of thousands of noncitizens from US adversary with deportation orders
