The recent transfer of migrant gang members from Tren de Aragua to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center highlights widespread agreement on the need to deport migrant criminals. However, this obscures a much larger, unresolved issue: the millions of other migrants — many of whom have built lives and families in the U.S. — now caught in a web of uncertainty. This uncertainty has left many living in fear of arbitrary detention. Exaggerated stories — about individuals being swept up in the immigration net regardless of their situation — circulate widely. Although most of these tales are untrue, the fear is genuine. Migrants now question whether they will receive due process or face detention in everyday situations, like at Walmart, at social gatherings or even at church on Sunday. From the migrant perspective, their arrival was not only expected by the prior administration but, for many, facilitated. Asylum seekers were invited in. Transportation, food and lodging eased the journey to the southern border for many, along with promises they believed offered a chance at a better life. Now, what once seemed like an opportunity to live the American dream is threatened by shifting policies and the looming fear of deportation. Adding to this anxiety, 500,000 of the 1.5 million migrants from Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela who were granted work permits now face the looming expiration of those permits — and their deportation protections by April 24 of this year. What once seemed like a saving grace now feels like an impending crisis. On the other side, many Americans have grown frustrated with the crime, cost and disorder associated with the ongoing wave of migration, and what they perceive as negligence by the Biden administration. While the intent to help people might have been there, insufficient safeguards allowed criminal networks to exploit migrants, including the surge of minor children lost in the chaos of human trafficking and abuse. These policies have strained public resources, costing billions and overwhelming social services such as education and healthcare. Many Americans feel these services, funded by their taxes, should prioritize citizens over migrants without legal standing. This growing frustration stems not from resentment but from concern about the continuing financial burden. Many also believe migrants should be more self-sufficient, contributing to society by working and paying taxes rather than relying on public assistance. This dissatisfaction grows when people perceive migrants as committing crimes or draining the system economically.  At the same time, it is critical to recognize that many migrants have contributed positively to society. Law-abiding individuals who follow the rules, work, pay taxes and raise families should have a clear path to some kind of legal status. Pathways to citizenship for those who have built lives here — such as Dreamers and those who contribute meaningfully to society — should be considered as part of any immigration reform package. This approach would not only address the human side of the issue but also create a more productive and sustainable immigration system.  Equally important, there is a perception, fueled by anecdotal reports and attention-grabbing headlines, that some migrants are gaming U.S. assistance programs. These stories often involve individuals allegedly working off the books, avoiding taxes, receiving benefits like food stamps, or engaging in green card marriages of convenience. While the full extent of such fraud remains unclear, anyone who takes advantage of public services or commits fraud should be subject to deportation. These actions undermine the integrity of the system and divert resources from those who genuinely need help. There should be zero tolerance for individuals who exploit public programs for personal gain. The situation demands clarity and due process. Migrants who follow the law should be allowed to live and work without fear of arbitrary deportation. And the American public needs assurance that public services are not abused. A transparent immigration system that distinguishes law-abiding migrants from those who break the law is essential.  Polling consistently shows strong support for deporting those involved in violent crimes or nonviolent offenses, but there is a sharp drop in support for deporting migrants who have only violated immigration laws, particularly those who have lived in the U.S. for over a decade or have U.S. citizen children. This highlights the need for a nuanced, fair approach — one that balances public safety with the human impact on families.  The Trump administration must outline clear, transparent guidelines for deportation priorities now. An immigration judge should review every case, ensuring deportations are based on facts, not political whim. Public understanding of the reasoning behind each decision is crucial.   To reinforce this transparency, border czar Tom Homan or another official should hold regularly public briefings — not in soundbites or quick takes but thorough, in-depth discussions that offer clear explanations of immigration policies and deportation priorities. The public deserves a full, transparent explanation, not just managed talking points.  It’s time for the executive branch and Congress to work together to create a clear and effective immigration reform framework. Both sides must move beyond partisan divides and focus on practical, actionable solutions. The executive branch must clarify deportation priorities, and Congress must pass legislation that balances national security with compassion. Congress is responsible for ensuring a fair and efficient system. It is time for them to act.  With the 2026 elections fast approaching, immigration will remain a pivotal issue. The party that presents a clear, well-articulated plan will not only secure the backing of key voting blocs but also play a critical role in shaping the future direction of Congress and solidifying the legacy of the Trump administration.  Ron MacCammon, Ed.D, is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces colonel and former political officer with the Department of State. He has written extensively on security, governance, and international affairs. ...read more read less