Fact Check: Clinton deported 3m and obama 10m illegal aliens

The Claim: "Clinton deported 3m and Obama 10m illegal aliens"

Introduction

The claim that "Clinton deported 3 million and Obama 10 million illegal aliens" suggests significant deportation figures attributed to the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. This assertion raises questions about the accuracy of the numbers and the context in which they are presented. In this article, we will explore the available evidence regarding deportations during these two administrations, critically evaluating the sources and methodologies behind the claims.

What We Know

1. Deportations under Bill Clinton: According to the Migration Policy Institute, during Bill Clinton's presidency (1993-2001), approximately 12.3 million people were deported, although this figure includes various forms of removals and expedited processes that may not reflect traditional deportations 8. Some reports suggest that the majority of these deportations did not occur under expedited removal processes 8.

2. Deportations under Barack Obama: The Obama administration is reported to have deported over 3 million people from 2009 to 2017. Various sources, including NPR and Snopes, confirm that these deportations included a significant number of individuals who had committed crimes, but also many who had not 46. The claim of 10 million deportations under Obama appears to be an exaggeration, as the most widely accepted figures are closer to 3 million.

3. Context of Deportations: The deportation policies during both administrations were influenced by various factors, including immigration laws, enforcement priorities, and the political climate surrounding immigration reform. Clinton's administration implemented the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which expanded the grounds for deportation 8. Obama's administration faced criticism for its high deportation rates, leading to the label "Deporter-in-Chief" by some immigration advocates 4.

Analysis

The claim that Clinton deported 3 million and Obama 10 million illegal aliens lacks support from credible sources. The figure for Clinton is significantly higher than the claim suggests, with reliable sources indicating around 12.3 million deportations during his presidency 8. The assertion regarding Obama is also misleading; while he did oversee over 3 million deportations, the figure of 10 million is not substantiated by credible evidence.

• Source Reliability: The Migration Policy Institute is a reputable nonpartisan organization that provides data on immigration and deportation, making its figures on Clinton's deportations credible 8. In contrast, the claim about Obama’s deportations being 10 million appears to stem from misinterpretations or exaggerations found in less reliable sources.

• Potential Bias: Some sources, such as opinion pieces or politically motivated commentary, may have a vested interest in portraying the deportation records of these presidents in a certain light, which could skew the data. For instance, articles from partisan outlets may emphasize certain aspects of immigration policy to support a political agenda 25.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind calculating deportation figures can vary significantly. Some reports may include all forms of removal, while others focus on specific categories, such as criminal deportations. This lack of standardization can lead to confusion and misrepresentation of the data.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Clinton deported 3 million and Obama 10 million illegal aliens" is false. The evidence indicates that while Bill Clinton's administration oversaw approximately 12.3 million deportations, the figure attributed to him in the claim is significantly understated. Similarly, Barack Obama's administration did deport over 3 million individuals, but the assertion that he deported 10 million is an exaggeration not supported by credible data.

It is important to note that deportation figures can be complex and are influenced by various factors, including changes in immigration policy and enforcement practices. The numbers can also vary based on the methodologies used to calculate them, which may lead to confusion.

While the available evidence provides a clearer picture of deportation statistics, it is essential to acknowledge that data on immigration can be subject to interpretation and may not always capture the full context of the policies in place.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources and methodologies behind claims, particularly in discussions surrounding immigration and deportation statistics.

Sources

1. Deportation and removal from the United States. Wikipedia. Link
2. 3 Million People Were Deported Under Obama. What Will ... New York Times. Link
3. AP FACT CHECK: Sour notes on immigration, security in ... AP News. Link
4. Lessons learned from when the Obama administration deported ... NPR. Link
5. Ted Cruz gets it very wrong on recent presidents ... Washington Post. Link
6. US deported more than 3M people during Obama presidency. Snopes. Link
7. Article: The Obama Record on Deportations. Migration Policy Institute. Link
8. PolitiFact | Did Bill Clinton create a fast-track deportation process ... PolitiFact. Link
9. Deportation Rates in Historical Perspective. Cato Institute. Link
10. Deportations Under US Presidents: Surprising Statistics. Infographic Site. Link