Fact Check: In 2013, Obama deported 438,421 people, more than any president since.

Fact Check: "In 2013, Obama deported 438,421 people, more than any president since."

What We Know

In fiscal year 2013, the Obama administration deported 438,421 unauthorized immigrants, marking a record high for any president at that time. This figure was part of a broader trend of increased deportations during Obama's presidency, which totaled well over 2 million deportations since he took office in 2009 (New York Times, Pew Research Center). The increase in deportations in 2013 was notable, with more than 20,000 additional deportations compared to 2012 and over 51,000 compared to 2011, when there was a significant decline in enforcement (New York Times).

The deportation process in 2013 also reflected a shift towards expedited removals, with about 44% of deportations being fast-track removals of migrants apprehended at the border, which allowed for quicker expulsions without court proceedings (New York Times). This trend indicated a focus on recent border crossers rather than long-term residents (Pew Research Center).

Analysis

The claim that Obama deported 438,421 individuals in 2013 is supported by multiple credible sources, including the Department of Homeland Security and various news outlets. The New York Times and Pew Research Center both confirm the record number of deportations and provide context regarding the enforcement policies during that year (New York Times, Pew Research Center).

Marc R. Rosenblum, a director at the Migration Policy Institute, referred to Obama as the "deporter-in-chief," emphasizing the seriousness of the administration's immigration enforcement (New York Times). This characterization has been echoed by various immigrant advocacy groups and media outlets, highlighting the significant increase in deportations compared to previous administrations, particularly when comparing Obama's record to that of George W. Bush, who oversaw fewer deportations over a longer period (Texas Tribune).

However, it is essential to note that while the numbers are high, the context of these deportations is crucial. A significant portion of the deportations in 2013 were expedited removals, which do not involve court hearings, suggesting a shift in enforcement strategy rather than a straightforward increase in judicial deportations (Pew Research Center).

Overall, the sources used to verify this claim are reliable and provide a comprehensive view of the immigration enforcement landscape during Obama's presidency.

Conclusion

The claim that "In 2013, Obama deported 438,421 people, more than any president since" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that this number represents a record high for deportations in a single year under any U.S. president, and it aligns with the broader trends of immigration enforcement during Obama's time in office.

Sources

1. Alien Removals and Returns: Overview and Trends
2. Deportation Up in 2013; Border Sites Were Focus
3. U.S. deportations of immigrants reach record high in 2013
4. US deported more than 3M people during Obama ...
5. Obama Administration Breaks Own Deportation Record
6. Trump is deporting way fewer people than Obama did. Why?
7. Article: The Obama Record on Deportations
8. Obama's expected immigration action: How many would be ...