Proposed 'Deportation Disclosure Act' Mandates Public Posting of Names, Photos for All Removed Individuals

The proposed “Deportation Disclosure Act” is short and gets straight to the point: it wants the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish specific personal information online for every single person issued a final order of removal. Specifically, Section 2 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require DHS to post the individual’s name, photograph, any aliases they use, and their last known state of residence on the DHS website. This isn’t just about making internal records available; this bill mandates a public, online database of individuals subject to deportation.

The Digital Scarlet Letter: Who Gets Listed?

Think about the kind of data a government usually keeps private—like your tax filings or health records. This bill flips that standard for one specific group. Under the new rules, anyone receiving a final order of removal after the bill becomes law will have their identifying information broadcast publicly. The intent, presumably, is to increase transparency around immigration enforcement, but the practical effect is the creation of a permanent, searchable public record tied to a photograph and location data.

This provision is unique because it applies to all final removal orders. It doesn't matter if the person committed a serious crime or if they simply overstayed a visa; if the order is final, their name and face go online. For someone trying to appeal their case or simply move on with their life, this public listing becomes a significant and potentially permanent roadblock. Imagine applying for a job years down the line, only to have a potential employer or landlord find your name and photo listed on a government database as someone who was ordered removed.

Privacy vs. Public Safety: The Real-World Risk

The most concerning part of this bill is the risk it creates for the individuals listed. Mandating the public posting of a name, photograph, and last known state of residence—especially when combined with aliases—creates a roadmap for harassment, stalking, or worse. For example, if a person was ordered removed but is still awaiting the process, or if they are a victim of domestic violence who fled to a new state, the public posting of their “last known state” could easily put them in danger. The bill offers no exceptions for vulnerable populations, nor does it specify any expiration date or process for removing information if the removal order is later overturned or vacated.

While the bill aims for transparency, it achieves it by sacrificing the privacy and potentially the safety of those involved. Most government enforcement actions—whether civil or criminal—don't involve posting the person's photo and last known location on a public website. This requirement singles out individuals subject to immigration enforcement for a unique level of public exposure, creating a digital footprint that could follow them indefinitely and be exploited by anyone with an internet connection.