Trump's Deadly Gamble: A 1798 Law to Unleash Mass Deportations

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Former U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his tough stance on immigration, is reportedly considering reinstating the 227-year-old Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which could potentially allow the deportation of non-American citizens. The law, originally designed for wartime, grants the U.S. president the power to expel foreign nationals deemed a threat to national security, particularly during periods of war.

Under this law, which has not been used in recent history, the president can deport non-American citizens, including those aged 14 and older, if they are considered a risk to the nation. While the law was designed to address wartime threats, Trump is reportedly aiming to apply it in ordinary circumstances as well, especially targeting illegal immigrants.

The Alien Enemies Act was passed in 1798 and gives the president the authority to declare non-Americans "alien enemies" and remove them from the country during times of war. The proposal has reignited discussions on immigration policy, especially as Trump has previously pledged to remove illegal immigrants if re-elected.

Despite its historical use in wartime, legal experts suggest that applying the law in peacetime would face significant challenges, as the U.S. has not been at war with any foreign nation in recent years. However, Trump’s continued focus on deporting illegal immigrants, including references to the Alien Enemies Act, is raising concerns and sparking debates across the U.S.

As Trump prepares for the 2024 elections, his position on immigration and his proposals to toughen deportation laws remain central to his campaign.