During President Barack Obama's administration (2009–2017), over 3 million people were formally deported (removed) from the United States, which is the highest number recorded for any U.S. president
. This figure refers to formal removals, which are court-ordered expulsions of noncitizens. When including both formal removals and returns (individuals turned away at the border or who left voluntarily), the total number of deportations during Obama's tenure exceeds 5 million
. Key points about Obama's deportations:
- The Obama administration deported more than 3 million people, more than any other president in U.S. history
- Deportations focused on recent unauthorized border crossers and those with criminal records
- Approximately 75% to 83% of those deported did not see a judge or have a chance to plead their case, as many removals were summary removals through expedited processes without formal court hearings
- In 2013 alone, the administration deported a record 438,421 people, including many with criminal records
In comparison, other presidents deported fewer people during their terms: George W. Bush removed about 870,000, Bill Clinton about 2 million, and Donald Trump about 1.2 million during his first term
. Thus, Obama's administration holds the record for the highest number of deportations in U.S. history, with over 3 million formal removals during his two terms in office
