Let’s see...
First you have to start with a more accurate number - 22 million would be a conservative one. A cheap first step would be to make a federal program where any illegal can go to any airport, present a passport or other documentation and get a free one way flight home, after being fingerprinted and photographed.
That right there would probably result in millions self-deporting.
Next apply existing federal law and make companies liable for illegal hires by contractors and sub-contractors. That would decimate construction, landscaping and building maintenance companies and result in millions more self-deporting.
Next, apply existing law to cut off SNAP and other federal programs that use US born children to gain benefits. Cut off funding to sanctuary cities - millions more will self-deport.
And of course, since Mexico will refuse to build a wall, the application of existing real ID law to wire transfers, money orders, and other forms of banking will cut off nearly 50 billion of funds going from illegals to families overseas (around the world.) Millions more will self-deport.
You’re finally down to where the Times says we’re at, and while it will be difficult, it won’t be impossible. You just have to set national resolve to ignore the sob stories and apply the laws equally. And if that requires countering every single sob story video with one of someone who has been waiting a decade to come to the US, that is probably something Trump will ensure happens.
“No more cutting the line” could easily become a rally call.
FRiend, I find your estimate very, very conservative.
You could double that.