Illegal migrations in US are facing deportation

Millions of people living in the U-S illegally could be targeted for deportation - including people arrested for traffic violations - under a sweeping rewrite of immigration policies.

File image from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the arrests of illegal immigrants in early February Source: AAP

Homeland Security Department memos signed by Secretary John Kelly say any immigrant who is in the country illegally and is charged or convicted of any offence, or even suspected of a crime, will now be an enforcement priority.

That could include people arrested for shoplifting or minor offences, or simply having crossed the border illegally as the U-S implements President Donald Trump's election pledge to crack down on illegal immigration.