As immigration and naturalization processes continue to dominate U.S. news headlines and political rhetoric, the tangible fear of having one's family torn apart is only growing greater for those who flock to the United States for work, education, or refuge. This book looks at both legal and undocumented immigration and explores the challenges faced by local and federal government officials, by different types of workers, and by the children of green card or visa holders. This is a balanced overview of deportation, those it may involve, and how it works.

Foreword -- Introduction -- Does US immigration policy have its roots in racism? Overview: The enduring legacy of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act / Muzaffar Chishti, Faye Hipsman and Isabel Ball ; Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 initiates decades of racist immigration policy / Doug Chin ; Mass deportations are already a part of American history / Adrian Florido ; Congress condemns Chinese Exclusion Act / Ted Gong ; Mexican repatriation is a part of Texas history / Robert R. McKay -- Have deportation and immigration policies gotten worse in the new millennium? Overview: President Obama's ambivalent record on immigration / Jessica Bolter, Muzaffar Chishti and Sarah Pierce ; Mexico assumes bulk of southern US immigration enforcement / Genevieve Leigh and Toby Reese ; Most deportees under Obama committed only minor infractions / America's Voice ; Obama administration immigration policy draws responses from both sides / Marcus Stern ; A closer look at Obama's immigration policy / Scott Horsley ; Obama pushed for immigration reform while deporting millions / Alex Nowrasteh -- Can deportation in the age of Trump be a boon to America? Overview: Squaring Trump's executive orders on immigration with the facts / Fiona Adamson ; Trump unveils harsh illegal immigration enforcement goals / Marcelo Rochabrun and Ginger Thompson ; Opponents of Trump's executive orders on immigration are overreacting / Sarah Birnbaum ; Trump administration criminalizes migrants / Teresa Gutierrez ; Trump lacks mandate for immigration overhaul / Mae Ngai -- Are immigrant and deportation policies headed in the right direction? Overview: Rhetoric versus reality in Trump's immigration policies / Susan Ferriss ; The aims and legality of Trump's executive orders on immigration / Jacqueline Varas ; Travel ban would compel Muslim countries to address internal problems / Salim Mansur ; Reports emerge of US Customs and Border Patrol abuses / Alice Miranda Ollstein ; Most deportees are not violent criminals / Teresa Wiltz -- Organizations to contact.