Trump's deportations betray American ideals

ON January 20 this year, Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second and final term as President of the United States, the ‘leader of the free world. However, today there are few characteristics that can define the US as free, especially for non-white citizens or migrants.

- BANTHATI SEKWALA

Over the first 115 days of his presidency the dynamics of the current world order has seen adjusted relationships and methods of operations almost as a daily occurrence. Most notably there have been an ongoing series of tariffs imposed on various sectors, commodities and countries. Some brief examples include steel and aluminum, cars, films, computers and smartphones. The countries that have received tariffs include China, Mexico, Canada and the UK.

The justification for these substantial measures is centred in nationalism, by advancing domestically produced goods and eliminating the perception of being “cheated” by foreign entities. However, this rhetoric of being excluded and not understanding the real impact behind tariffs is not being extended to targeting human beings.

This has resulted in the deportation of 142 000 individuals between the 20th of January and the 29th of April. Furthermore, to add insult to injury, in March President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act which allows the president to detain or deport natives and citizens of an ‘enemy’ nation.

The use of this legislation is not only outdated, imposed outside of its jurisdiction, but is also dangerous to countless individuals and their families.