London, Nov 10: Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are facing renewed anxiety following Donald Trump’s election victory, as he reiterates his promise of “the largest deportation in the history of our country.”

Trump’s campaign has vowed to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance recently stated that their plan would initially target 10 million people. However, experts argue that such a large-scale operation would encounter significant legal and logistical hurdles.

As of 2022, the U.S. is home to nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants, approximately 3.3% of the population. Many have lived in the country for over a decade, with the majority originating from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Immigration experts highlight the immense challenges involved in implementing mass deportations. Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, stressed the importance of cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, many U.S. cities and counties oppose aiding federal deportation efforts, complicating Trump’s plans.

The U.S. immigration justice system, already strained with backlogs, would require significant expansion to process mass deportations. Experts estimate that deporting 1 million individuals annually would necessitate a massive increase in resources and personnel, far beyond ICE’s current capacity of 20,000 employees.

Immigration advocates have signaled plans to challenge any such actions in court, raising additional legal barriers. Human rights groups have criticized the logistical and humanitarian implications of deporting millions of people.

Despite these challenges, Trump has suggested involving the National Guard or military forces in the effort. However, their role has traditionally been limited to assisting at the U.S.-Mexico border, raising questions about feasibility.

The Biden administration, by contrast, focused on deportations of those apprehended at the border, with annual deportations averaging fewer than 100,000 in recent years.

Experts argue that while mass deportations may be a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign rhetoric, the realities of implementation pose substantial obstacles. For immigrants like 47-year-old Nora, who has lived in the U.S. for 24 years, the looming uncertainty adds to an already precarious existence.