AHA Briefing on Historical Perspectives on Deportation Policies and Practices

Refugees International Director for the Americas and Europe Yael Schacher delivered remarks at the American Historical Association Congressional Briefing, “Historical Perspectives on United States Deportation Policies and Practices,” on March 13, 2025. The briefing focused on the recent history of deportation from the U.S. and began by charting overall trends since 1980. It then discussed conflicting laws that complicate deportation even as it has expanded. It concluded with a discussion of what influences the ability to effect deportations in practice.