I (and others too probably) have been pointing out for a long time the it isn't rounding up illegal criminal alien invading colonizing usurpers that needs to be done.
As you say, it is self deportation.
All we need to do is enforce the laws and deny welfare, schooling, medical benefits to anyone except citizens. UNLESS they can pay for it themselves.
In the couple of states that have passed laws restricting all the mentioned benefits as only available to citizens, the criminal illegals have left those states and gone to "sanctuary" type states or returned to Mexico.
We also passed a similar referendum here in California...Prop 187 in 1994...but it was deemed unconstitutional by liberal judges. It was NOT unconstitutional and it was the will of the people and the GOP would NOT fight to keep 187 in force.
Imagine what the economy would be like here in Calif if 187 was put into effect?
Footnote, in the states where they passed similar propositions/laws unemployment went DOWN and the economy went UP.
The left will go judge shopping and find the judge who will say we cannot deny schooling or medical benefits to children here. The leftist judiciary is the leftist’s partner in destroying this nation.