- Total Removals: 48,737
- Removals Per Year: 9,747
- Political Party: Democrat
- Presidency: 1963-1969
President Lyndon B. Johnson's immigration policy during his presidency was marked by significant reform through the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which ended discriminatory quotas and opened the door to more immigrants from diverse backgrounds.
Although Johnson's administration did not emphasize high deportation rates, it focused on modernizing the immigration system and addressing labor needs. Deportation numbers remained relatively moderate, reflecting the era’s emphasis on integration and reform rather than strict enforcement.
- Total Removals: 81,022
- Removals Per Year: 16,204
- Political Party: Republican
- Presidency: 1969-1974 (Resigned)
During Richard Nixon's presidency, immigration policy was not a major focus, but his administration upheld existing laws with moderate enforcement. Nixon supported measures to control illegal immigration, including increased border security and employer sanctions
Deportation rates were relatively steady, reflecting a balanced approach that maintained enforcement without significant expansion. His administration also saw the introduction of family reunification as a key principle in U.S. immigration policy, shaping future reforms.
- Total Removals: 105,378
- Removals Per Year: 26,345
- Political Party: Democrat
- Presidency: 1977-1981
During President Jimmy Carter's administration, immigration policy focused on maintaining a fair and humane approach. Carter's presidency saw relatively stable deportation rates compared to later administrations, with a focus on managing asylum claims and handling immigration issues in a balanced manner.
His administration emphasized compassion and human rights, aligning with broader humanitarian principles, while addressing illegal immigration through existing laws without major changes to enforcement or deportation practices.
- Total Removals: 141,326
- Removals Per Year: 35,332
- Political Party: Republican
- Presidency: 1989-1993
Former President George H. W. Bush's immigration policy focused on enforcement balanced with humanitarian considerations. He signed the Immigration Act of 1990, which increased legal immigration limits and introduced Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain groups facing conflict or disaster in their home countries.
While deportation rates were lower compared to later administrations, Bush's presidency saw an increase in border enforcement. Border security funding doubled, and the number of Border Patrol agents increased significantly.
- Total Removals: 168,364
- Removals Per Year: 21,046
- Political Party: Republican
- Presidency: 1981-1989
Former President Ronald Reagan's immigration policy included the landmark Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, which granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants and made it illegal for employers to hire undocumented workers knowingly.
During his presidency, deportation rates were relatively modest, as the focus was on providing a path to legal status for many while increasing border enforcement. Reagan's policies sought to balance compassion for immigrants with efforts to address illegal immigration.
- Total Removals: 869,646
- Removals Per Year: 108,706
- Political Party: Democrat
- Presidency: 1993-2001
Former President Bill Clinton's immigration policy focused on tightening border security and increasing enforcement. His administration passed key legislation like the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) in 1996, which expanded the grounds for deportation and expedited removal processes.
As a result, deportation rates rose significantly during his presidency, targeting both undocumented immigrants and legal residents with criminal convictions. Clinton's policies laid the groundwork for stricter enforcement measures by later Presidents.
- Total Removals: 1,549,956+
- Removals Per Year: 516,652
- Political Party: Democrat
- Presidency: 2021-Present
Although former President Donald Trump claims he was the hardest on the border crisis, President Biden's administration removed or returned more individuals between August 2023 to March 2024 than in any year since 2015.
While deportations continue, the Biden administration's policies represent a shift toward addressing root causes of migration and reforming the immigration system to be more humane and just.
- Total Removals: 1,794,708
- Removals Per Year: 448,677
- Political Party: Republican
- Presidency: 2017-2021
Former President Donald Trump's immigration policy was characterized by a strong focus on enforcement and border security. His administration implemented strict measures, such as the "zero tolerance" policy and increased interior enforcement, leading to higher deportation rates, particularly in his early years.
Deportations targeted a broad range of undocumented immigrants, including those without criminal records. Trump's policies aimed to deter illegal immigration and reduce the overall number of immigrants entering the United States, significantly shaping the national immigration landscape.
- Total Removals: 2,012,539
- Removals Per Year: 251,567
- Political Party: Republican
- Presidency: 2001-2009
Former President George W. Bush's immigration policy aimed to balance enforcement with reform. He advocated for comprehensive immigration reform, including a guest worker program and a path to citizenship, but faced resistance in Congress.
Under his administration, removal rates more than doubled as national security concerns after 9/11 led to stricter border control and enforcement measures. As part of his efforts, he increased funding for and expanded Border Patrol.
- Total Removals: 3,066,457
- Removals Per Year: 383,307
- Political Party: Democrat
- Presidency: 2009-2017
Former President Barack Obama's immigration policy combined enforcement with efforts toward comprehensive reform. His administration deported a record number of individuals, especially during his first term, focusing on those with criminal records and recent border crossers.
However, Obama also introduced initiatives like DACA to protect young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. His policies reflected a balance between strict enforcement and attempts to provide relief to certain undocumented populations.
