Portuguese Nationals Not Deported Under Trump, Says Government Official

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Key Takeaways

• No Portuguese nationals have been deported under Trump’s administration; 69 repatriations occurred in 2024, consistent with historical averages.
• The Portuguese government remains vigilant and prepared for potential deportations, coordinating with the Azores for community support strategies.
• Up to 3,600 undocumented Portuguese and 100,000 Azoreans in the U.S. could face risk under stricter immigration policies.

Recent information from the Portuguese government has confirmed that no Portuguese nationals have been deported from the United States under the immigration policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. This announcement comes as a relief amid heightened concern within the Portuguese immigrant community following President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. His administration had promised strict enforcement of immigration laws, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Paulo Rangel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Portugal, addressed the situation during a parliamentary hearing on January 22, 2025. He reassured listeners that Portuguese nationals were not experiencing significant changes due to Trump’s policies. Speaking at the European Affairs Committee meeting, Rangel stated, “We do not expect it to have a significant impact, but we are here, we are always prepared.” He added that the Portuguese government is monitoring the matter closely, particularly in coordination with the regional government of the Azores🇵🇹, from where a large number of U.S.-based Portuguese migrants trace their origins.

Portuguese Nationals Not Deported Under Trump, Says Government Official

Government Response and Preparedness

Rangel emphasized that there is no immediate cause for alarm. He stated, “There is no situation that indicates alarm or special concern.” However, the government remains vigilant. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the assistance of the Secretary of State for Communities, is prepared to take action should any issues arise. Rangel highlighted Portugal’s long experience in assisting citizens who are deported, noting, “Every year there are deportations of Portuguese citizens, and all of them are handled with great care and attention by the Portuguese government. We are prepared for deportations.”

While yearly deportations of Portuguese individuals are not unusual, indications so far show no significant increase under the Trump administration’s policies. This sense of preparedness and cautious optimism echoes the government’s historical approach to dealing with immigration matters.

Data and Deportations

Statistics provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reflect the government’s position. In 2024, 69 Portuguese nationals were repatriated, representing a small year-over-year increase of nine individuals since 2023. These figures remain consistent with historical averages. Between 2003 and 2024, about 1,500 Portuguese nationals were deported from the United States, averaging approximately 71 deportations per year. These numbers are low, especially considering President Trump’s initial promise to deport “millions and millions” of undocumented individuals from the United States.

Concerns in the Azores

While the Portuguese national government remains calm, local authorities in the Azores🇵🇹 are preparing for any potential challenges. Many Portuguese individuals in the United States originally hail from the Azores, and local officials there are wary of worst-case scenarios. The Regional Government of the Azores has already started crafting a plan to address possible challenges that could arise if deportations increase. Their plan covers key areas, including housing, employment, and social support.

Paulo Estêvão, the regional secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities in the Azores, commented on January 21, 2025, that “It is not the foreseeable scenario, but we are preparing for the worst.” He added that there are likely “hundreds” of Azorean migrants in the United States who lack legal status and might face deportation if Trump’s immigration actions intensify.

Perspectives from the Community

Although government officials are working to reassure the public, community leaders in the United States express mixed reactions. Manuel Bettencourt, an advisor for Portuguese communities in California, feels that the broader Portuguese community won’t be heavily affected. Referring to Trump’s immigration policies, he stated on January 27, 2025, “In the Portuguese community, I say that it will not have much impact,” explaining that Portuguese immigrants represent a smaller demographic within the U.S. compared to other immigrant groups, such as those from Latin America.

Others, however, voice growing unease. Francisco Ferreira, a community advisor based in Washington, D.C., has raised concerns over both the policies themselves and the response from the Portuguese government. He commented critically, “I have been a critic from the beginning,” expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s level of seriousness in addressing the immigration policies’ potential impact.

Broader Impacts on Nationals and the Azores

Though deportations of Portuguese nationals remain consistent with historical trends, the number of undocumented Portuguese individuals potentially at risk from Trump’s immigration measures is significant. José Luís Carneiro, a former secretary of state for Portuguese communities abroad, has estimated that as many as 3,600 Portuguese nationals could be affected. Among the broader immigrant population, Portugal ranks alongside China🇨🇳 and Spain🇪🇸 as one of the countries with the highest number of visa overstayers—individuals who enter the U.S. on a 90-day visa and remain beyond its expiration.

The Azores🇵🇹 may feel acute impacts. Reports indicate that as many as 100,000 Azoreans living in the United States could be at risk of expulsion, representing a substantial share of the region’s population. As such, the Regional Government of the Azores is taking steps to prevent the social and economic difficulties that arose during earlier waves of deportation. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, many Azoreans were forced to return from the United States, leading to major issues such as unemployment, housing shortages, and increased rates of drug use. The government aims to avoid repeating those challenges by focusing on improved preparation, particularly in areas like health services, education, and workforce opportunities.

Return of Nationals

Even though official deportation numbers remain low, a small but notable trend of voluntary returns has emerged. Azorean officials report that some individuals and families are choosing to leave the U.S. rather than wait for potential government action. As of February 13, 2025, Paulo Estêvão stated, “What we foresaw happening is happening. Those who do not find themselves in a regular situation in the U.S. are returning.” Paula Silva, who leads a social services nonprofit in the Azores called ARRISCA, also observed this development. She said, “Families have already started to come.”

These voluntary returns suggest that the heightened rhetoric and stricter rules under Trump’s policies are influencing some Portuguese nationals to leave the United States on their own. For many, the uncertainty surrounding their immigration status is enough to prompt a decision to return home.

Conclusion

For now, the number of Portuguese nationals being deported from the United States remains stable. Portuguese government officials, including Paulo Rangel, have reassured the public that there is no need for immediate concern. The Azores🇵🇹, however, continue to tread carefully, putting plans in place to handle potential increases in deportations or returns.

Yet, as voluntary returns show, the broader implications of Trump’s immigration policies may take time to fully unfold. The cooperation of governments, community leaders, and support organizations will be essential in addressing the ongoing needs of Portuguese nationals living in the United States and those reintegrating back into Portugal. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the coming months will provide better clarity about whether this cautious optimism can be sustained or if structural challenges lie ahead.

For more information on U.S. immigration policies, including requirements for travelers and overstayers, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

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Deportation → The forced removal of an individual from a country, typically due to violations of immigration laws.
Undocumented Immigrants → Individuals residing in a country without legal authorization, often lacking valid visas or permits.
Repatriation → The process of returning a person to their country of origin or citizenship.
Visa Overstayer → Someone who remains in a country beyond the expiration date of their visa without legal authorization.
Voluntary Return → When individuals choose to leave a country on their own rather than face potential deportation.

This Article in a Nutshell

Despite Trump’s strict immigration promises, no Portuguese nationals have faced deportation under his policies, easing worries within the community. The Portuguese government remains vigilant, coordinating with the Azores, home to many U.S.-based migrants. While deportations remain stable, voluntary returns reveal growing unease, highlighting the need for preparation amidst uncertain immigration outcomes.
— By VisaVerge.com