# Deportation’s human cost goes beyond the numbers

> Immigration attorney Patricia Elizee explains how deportation impacts families beyond the statistics.
- Title: Deportation’s human cost goes beyond the numbers · Newsweek
- Summary: Immigration attorney Patricia Elizee explains how deportation impacts families beyond the statistics. Deportation causes family separation and financial…
- Keywords: deportation, immigration, families, miami, migration, guardianship, power of attorney, human, cost, goes, beyond, numbers
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/deportations-human-cost-goes-beyond-numbers-12628224
- Published: 2026-10-28T13:38:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: deportation, immigration, families, miami, migration, guardianship, power of attorney
## Deportation numbers
Nearly 980,000 people were deported from the United States in the first 18 months of the Trump administration.
## The human impact
Immigration attorney Patricia Elizee represents families torn apart by deportation.
## Where families land
Removal flights often land in areas far from families, causing immediate displacement.
## What families leave behind
Children may face state care if parents are deported without a caregiver plan.
## Guardianship options
Short-term guardianship is an easy safety plan but may cause school or medical access issues.
## Financial planning
Important assets may be inaccessible if held solely in the deported person's name.
## Voluntary departure
Voluntary departure allows leaving without a formal removal order but has legal consequences.
## Helping others
U.S. citizens can assist undocumented neighbors by finding legal immigration help.
## Key takeaway

Deportation causes family separation and financial strain, requiring early planning to minimize harm.