Immigration Policy in America: Forceful Removal vs. Earned Citizenship

Immigration has long been a defining element of the American story. From the early settlers to the waves of newcomers who built cities, started businesses, and served in our military, the United States has thrived on the strength and diversity of those who came seeking opportunity. Yet, in modern times, immigration policy has become one of the most divisive issues in the nation.

Under the current administration, there has been a renewed and aggressive effort to remove individuals who are in the United States illegally. Tactics include increased raids, detentions, and expedited deportations, often justified under the banner of national security and the enforcement of federal law. However, this strategy has come under criticism for its human costs, logistical inefficiencies, and its failure to address the complex realities of undocumented individuals—many of whom have been living, working, and contributing to American society for years.

An alternative approach—one grounded in pragmatism and compassion—would involve streamlining the process for undocumented immigrants to earn legal status or citizenship. Rather than spending billions on enforcement aimed at mass removal, this strategy recognizes the value of individuals who already reside in our communities, work legally or under-the-table, pay taxes, raise families, and abide by the law in every way except for their immigration status.

In this blog, I'll explore the contrast between these two approaches and argue that a path to earned citizenship, with clear benchmarks such as employment, tax contributions, language proficiency, and good moral character, offers a more sustainable, humane, and economically sound path forward.

The Reality of Forceful Removal

Policy Overview

The current administration has intensified efforts to remove illegal immigrants by increasing funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), expanding the number of immigration detention facilities, and directing more law enforcement personnel to conduct workplace raids and neighborhood sweeps. These policies aim to enforce existing immigration law, with the message that anyone who is in the country illegally must leave—voluntarily or otherwise.

Financial and Logistical Costs

It is estimated that there are over 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. Removing all of them would cost hundreds of billions of dollars. A 2017 report from the Cato Institute estimated that deporting every undocumented immigrant would cost approximately $400–600 billion and would take over 20 years to complete. Beyond financial costs, there is the enormous administrative burden on immigration courts, detention centers, and enforcement agencies.

Social and Human Impact

Raids and deportations can tear families apart, traumatize children (many of whom are U.S. citizens), and destabilize communities. Deporting a parent often means leaving behind children, spouses, and extended family members who rely on their emotional and financial support. The psychological toll on families—particularly children—is profound, and can result in anxiety, depression, and academic struggles.

Economic Disruption

Undocumented immigrants are essential to many sectors of the American economy, particularly agriculture, construction, hospitality, and food service. Removing large swaths of the workforce would devastate these industries. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as much as half of the nation’s farm labor force consists of undocumented workers. Mass deportation would not only disrupt food supply chains but would also increase costs for consumers.

The Case for Earned Legalization

Recognizing Reality on the Ground

A significant portion of the undocumented population has lived in the U.S. for more than a decade. They have homes, jobs, businesses, church memberships, and U.S.-born children. Many pay taxes through ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers), contribute to Social Security (from which they may never benefit), and abide by the law.

These are not criminals or freeloaders—they are contributing members of society who simply lack a lawful immigration status due to a broken system.

The Benefits of a Streamlined Citizenship Process

Imagine a system where undocumented individuals could apply for legal residency—and eventually citizenship—based on a set of measurable criteria:

• A clean criminal record

• Steady employment

• Proof of tax payments

• English language proficiency (I'm on the fence with this)

• Community involvement

• A willingness to undergo a civics and background check

This would allow the U.S. government to bring millions of people out of the shadows and integrate them more fully into the legal and economic fabric of the nation. Instead of fearing arrest, these individuals could legally register, work, and contribute openly. Their employers could offer benefits, and their children could pursue education without fear of separation.

Economic Growth and Tax Revenue

Legalizing millions of undocumented workers would have a significant positive effect on the economy. According to a study by the Center for American Progress, legal status and a path to citizenship would increase cumulative GDP by $1.2 trillion over 10 years, add $275 billion in tax revenue, and create thousands of new jobs through increased demand.

Moreover, legal residents can invest more in education, housing, and entrepreneurship—all of which fuel local and national economies.

Addressing Concerns About Legalization

“It Rewards Lawbreaking”

One of the chief arguments against legalization is that it supposedly rewards those who broke the law to enter or remain in the country. But the path proposed here is not “amnesty” in the traditional sense—it would not grant automatic citizenship. Rather, it would require individuals to meet a high bar over a probationary period.

Think of it like probation in the criminal justice system: you don’t go to jail, but you still must prove yourself. In this context, undocumented immigrants would have to pay fines, prove their worth, and maintain good behavior over several years. This isn’t a free ride—it’s a second chance with responsibility attached.

“It Will Encourage More Illegal Immigration”

Another concern is that legalization programs might send the message that the U.S. will eventually legalize anyone who gets here illegally. This concern is legitimate but manageable. Stronger border security, improved visa tracking, and better workplace verification programs (like E-Verify) can ensure that future illegal immigration is minimized.

Legalization must be paired with smarter enforcement and modernized entry systems so that both security and compassion are addressed.

Moral and Humanitarian Considerations

Families and Children

Many undocumented immigrants have U.S.-born children. Under the current enforcement-heavy strategy, parents are often deported while their children are left behind. This practice not only breaks families apart but also places an enormous emotional burden on children, who may end up in foster care or under the guardianship of relatives.

In contrast, an earned path to citizenship ensures family stability, better child development outcomes, and stronger communities.

The American Ethos

The United States has long prided itself on being a land of opportunity and second chances. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” reads the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. Yet policies of aggressive removal contradict that ethos.

Providing a structured, earned path to citizenship reaffirms the nation’s commitment to fairness, responsibility, and the dignity of human life.

Historical Precedents and Public Support

The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act

Under President Ronald Reagan, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 legalized nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants who had been in the U.S. prior to 1982. Reagan argued that these individuals had become part of the American fabric and deserved to be brought “out of the shadows.”

While the law lacked future enforcement mechanisms (which contributed to today’s issues), it showed that large-scale legalization can be implemented with political will and public support.

Polling and Public Opinion

Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans support some form of earned legalization. A Pew Research poll found that nearly 75% of Americans support allowing undocumented immigrants to stay legally if they meet certain requirements. This suggests a widespread recognition that deporting millions of people en masse is not only impractical but also morally questionable.

A New Immigration Vision

A Two-Pronged Strategy

A balanced immigration policy would include:

1. Modernized Enforcement: Strengthen border security using smart technology, reduce visa overstays, and crack down on exploitative employers.

2. Earned Legalization Pathways: Create a structured process for undocumented immigrants to gain legal status by meeting employment, tax, and civic benchmarks.

This would allow the U.S. to remove individuals who pose real threats while protecting those who are contributing meaningfully to the country.

Leveraging Immigrant Potential

Immigrants tend to be entrepreneurial, resilient, and hardworking. According to the Kauffman Foundation, immigrants are nearly twice as likely to start businesses as native-born Americans. They also file more patents per capita. Legalizing and investing in this population could unlock vast economic and cultural benefits for the country.

Conclusion: Compassion, Pragmatism, and the American Way

No nation can afford open borders, nor can any country ignore the rule of law. But immigration enforcement must be balanced with pragmatism, economics, and humanity.

Mass deportation is costly, disruptive, and often unjust—especially to those who have lived, worked, and raised families here for years. On the other hand, offering a structured path to legal status, based on contribution and good conduct, honors both American law and American values.

We don’t have to choose between chaos and cruelty. With vision and leadership, the United States can craft an immigration policy that is orderly, fair, and forward-looking—a policy that protects our borders while honoring the people who already call this country home.