In recent weeks, the anti-illegal immigration protests in Los Angeles have sparked national debate and global attention. What’s been framed by some as an “anti-immigrant riot” is, in reality, a public cry from legal immigrants and citizens alike: Enough is enough. It’s time to distinguish between legal and illegal immigration—and to act accordingly.
I say this not as a bystander, but as an immigrant myself. I came to Canada the right way. I arrived with a student visa, completed my studies, obtained a work permit, later became a permanent resident, and finally, after fulfilling all the legal requirements, I proudly became a Canadian citizen. That journey was difficult and expensive—but it was fair. It respected the laws of my host country.
Americans Overwhelmingly Support Deportation of Illegal Immigrants
Let’s be clear: the political and public climate in the United States is shifting dramatically. As of April 2025, 56% of Americans support the mass deportation of all undocumented immigrants, a dramatic increase from just 38% in 2016. That number includes 90% of Republicans, 61% of independents, and even one-third of Democrats. These are not fringe beliefs—they are mainstream.
Why the shift? Because Americans, including millions of legal immigrants, are tired of watching their communities, jobs, and safety be compromised by a broken system that rewards lawbreaking over lawful behavior.
A Humane Option: Voluntary Deportation with a $1,000 Incentive
One of the lesser-known, yet increasingly popular, policies being rolled out under President Trump’s new administration is a voluntary deportation program. Illegal immigrants who choose to “auto-deport” themselves can now receive $1,000 as a reward for self-reporting and leaving the country peacefully. This initiative is both cost-effective and humane—it reduces the burden on law enforcement and respects individual dignity.
Legal Immigrants Are Speaking Up
Contrary to popular narratives, legal immigrants are not monolithic in their political views. In fact, we’re seeing a massive 40-point swing towards the Republican Party among legal immigrant voters, largely due to the Democratic Party’s leniency toward illegal immigration. Groups like You Don’t Speak for Me have long warned that legal immigrants feel betrayed by policies that undermine their sacrifices.
This shift is backed by data presented on CNN by analyst Harry Enten, showing that while Trump was once deeply unpopular on immigration, he now boasts a net positive approval rating on the issue—unlike during his first term. Even more telling: more Americans now believe the country is on the right track with immigration under Trump than under Biden.
Trump’s Immigration Policies Are Legal, Democratic, and Justified
Despite intense media backlash, President Trump’s policies are not only legal, they are democratic and justified. They reflect the will of the majority and follow existing immigration laws—laws that have too often been ignored or undermined.
The government has both the right and the responsibility to enforce its borders. A country without secure borders eventually ceases to function. This isn’t about race or ethnicity. It’s about respecting the rule of law.
My Personal Stand as an Immigrant
I want to be crystal clear: I am not against immigration. I am against illegal immigration.
As someone who followed the rules, I take issue with individuals whose first action in a new country is to break its laws. Many go on to abuse social services, live in the shadows, and in some cases, commit crimes that make the broader immigrant community look bad. This is unfair—not only to citizens, but to people like me who spent years doing everything by the book.
Legal immigration should be celebrated, protected, and expanded. Illegal immigration should be addressed, deterred, and when necessary, deported.
The Bottom Line
The protests in Los Angeles are not about hate—they are about frustration and fairness. They are the voice of people who believe in law and order. They are the voice of legal immigrants who feel abandoned. They are the voice of a country trying to reclaim its sovereignty.
Supporting deportation isn’t anti-immigrant—it’s pro-law, pro-fairness, and pro-democracy.
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