How Illegal Immigration Affects All Races and Exposes Systemic Bias
By: Moise Garcon
When Americans think of “illegal immigrants,” they often picture individuals crossing the southern border from Mexico, Venezuela, or Central America. Rarely do they consider the thousands of undocumented Europeans and Asians living in the U.S. Yet, data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals a more complex reality—one where immigration enforcement has been inconsistently applied, sometimes favoring certain nationalities over others.
As of March 2025, during Donald Trump’s second term, ICE has detained and deported a notable number of European nationals, yet these cases receive far less media attention than removals of Latin American or African migrants. This discrepancy raises critical questions about racial bias in immigration enforcement and the need for comprehensive reform.
The Data: Undocumented Europeans in the U.S.
While exact numbers are difficult to pin down due to the clandestine nature of undocumented immigration, available government reports and deportation statistics shed light on the issue:
– Estimated Undocumented Europeans in the U.S. (2025): Between 600,000 and 800,000, according to USCIS extrapolations from visa overstays and border encounters.
– Top Countries of Origin:
– Albania (approx. 120,000 undocumented)
– Romania (approx. 90,000)
– Russia (approx. 70,000)
– Poland (approx. 50,000)
– Ukraine (approx. 45,000, with increased numbers post-2022 war)
Deportations Under Trump’s Second Term (2025 Data)
– Total European Nationals Deported (Jan 2025 – March 2025):1,250
– Albanians: 320
– Romanians: 280
– Russians: 210
– Others (Ukraine, Poland, etc.): 440
Comparatively, in the same period, over 45,000 Latin American nationals were deported, highlighting a stark disparity in enforcement focus.
Discrimination in Immigration Enforcement
The U.S. immigration system has long been accused of racial and geopolitical bias:
1. Visa Overstays vs. Border Crossings:
– Europeans are more likely to enter legally and overstay visas (e.g., ESTA or work visas), while Latin Americans often cross illegally.
– Despite overstays accounting for 42% of all undocumented immigration (DHS 2024 report), enforcement disproportionately targets southern border crossers.
2. Asylum Disparities:
– Ukrainians fleeing war were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in 2022, while Haitians and Central Americans faced mass deportations under similar crises.
– Cubans historically received preferential treatment (e.g., “wet foot, dry foot” policy) compared to Dominicans or Jamaicans.
3. ICE Detention Priorities:
– ICE’s “enforcement priorities” under Trump have focused heavily on Latin America, despite Europeans also violating immigration laws.
– Detention conditions vary—European detainees are more likely to be held in low-security facilities compared to Latin Americans in harsher centers.
Why Congress Must Act: The Limits of Executive Orders
Presidential administrations—whether Trump, Biden, or others—have relied on executive orders (EOs) to shape immigration policy. However, EOs are temporary, easily overturned, and lack the permanence of legislative reform.
Weaknesses of Executive Actions:
– Policy Whiplash: Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy was reversed by Biden, then partially reinstated—creating chaos.
– Selective Enforcement: EOs allow presidents to prioritize certain groups (e.g., DACA recipients) while excluding others, leading to inconsistencies.
– No Pathway to Legalization: Only Congress can create long-term solutions like visas for undocumented workers or farmworkers.
Recommendations for Fixing U.S. Immigration
1. Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) Through Congress:
– Path to Citizenship: A merit-based system for long-term undocumented residents, regardless of nationality.
– Visa Overstay Penalties: Strengthen tracking and consequences for all nationalities.
2. Fair and Consistent Asylum Processing:**
– End geopolitical favoritism—apply the same standards to Ukrainians, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Africans.
3. Border Security + Legal Pathways:
– Expand work visas to reduce illegal crossings.
– Invest in ports of entry to curb smuggling.
4. Independent Immigration Courts:
– Remove political influence from deportation cases.
Undocumented immigration is not just a Latino or African issue—it spans all races and regions. The U.S. must move beyond selective enforcement and racial biases to create a fair, efficient, and humane system. Relying on executive orders is unsustainable; only Congressional action can provide lasting solutions.
What’s Next?
– Contact your representatives to demand immigration reform.
– Support bipartisan bills that address visa overstays, asylum fairness, and border security.
The conversation must evolve—because illegal immigration affects everyone, not just the usual suspects.
References:
– USCIS 2024 Overstay Report
– ICE FY2025 Deportation Statistics
– DHS Visa Waiver Program Data
– Migration Policy Institute (MPI) “European Migration to the U.S.” (2023)
Moise Garcon is an independent senior Journalist, President of VIZAJ Diaspora, Coordinator of Proposition Citoyenne, human rights activist and community organizer.
Moïse is also a Logistics and Trucking Experts, top Gun senior trainer, TSU SE regional VP.
