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Did the Biden-Harris administration attempt to suspend some deportations upon taking office?

By Tom Kertscher
YES

President Joe Biden’s administration announced a 100-day suspension of the removal of certain undocumented immigrants on Jan. 20, 2021, the day Biden was inaugurated.

However, a judge blocked the “pause” days later.

Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance alluded to the suspension Sept. 17, 2024, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, blaming Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Homeland Security Department suspended removals — the mandatory departure of noncitizens out of the United States based on a formal order.

The department said it would review immigration enforcement practices during the pause, which did not apply to certain undocumented immigrants, such as suspected terrorists.

Days later, a Texas federal judge blocked the suspension, which had been challenged by Texas’ attorney general.

The Migration Policy Institute reported in June that deportations — including removals and other types of departures — under Biden are on track to match former President Donald Trump’s 1.5 million total.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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