On his first day in office, President Donald Trump wasted no time in executing a series of executive orders aimed at dramatically reshaping U.S. immigration policy, fulfilling his campaign promise to crack down on illegal immigration. These sweeping changes, some reinstating policies from his previous term, others introducing new strategies, reflect a stark departure from the Biden administration’s approach.
Among the most significant moves are the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which had been rolled back by President Biden, and the cancellation of the CBP One app that allowed thousands of migrants to schedule appointments to enter the U.S. Critics and supporters alike have taken notice of the rapid changes at the border, which have immediate and profound implications for both migrants and U.S. border authorities.
Immediate Impact at the Border
As soon as Trump took office, migrants who had appointments through the CBP One app were informed that their meetings had been canceled. The app, which had allowed 1,450 people daily to gain temporary entry to the U.S. on parole, was a key tool in the Biden administration’s efforts to regulate the flow of migrants while enhancing legal immigration pathways. Critics of the app had argued that it incentivized illegal crossings, but for many migrants like Melanie Mendoza from Venezuela, it represented their best hope for entering the U.S.
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Meanwhile, Trump’s reinstatement of the Remain in Mexico policy marks a return to a controversial measure that required asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for U.S. immigration hearings. This has sparked strong reactions from immigration advocates, who claim it exposes migrants to dangerous conditions in border towns. Nonetheless, Mexico has agreed to take back migrants under this policy, with provisions for scheduling appointments to cross the border.
The End of Birthright Citizenship?
One of the most contentious aspects of Trump’s new agenda is an executive order targeting birthright citizenship—the constitutional right that grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. The order suggests that the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, has been misinterpreted and proposes restricting automatic citizenship. While the order would not be applied retroactively, legal challenges are expected, with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union already pledging to fight it in court.
Mass Deportations and Military Involvement
Trump has also taken steps to revive his promise of mass deportations, aiming to remove millions of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. One of his executive orders mandates a more aggressive approach to deportations, which would be conducted by state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as federal authorities. Trump’s plan also includes the possibility of ending federal grants to so-called sanctuary cities, which have resisted cooperating with immigration enforcement.
Additionally, Trump has ordered the military to assist with border security, directing the Defense Department to help complete the border wall and provide logistical support to border enforcement agencies. The deployment of military personnel at the border is a continuation of previous efforts by both Trump and Biden, though critics argue that it sends a message that migrants are a national security threat.
Expanding the Definition of “Foreign Terrorist Organizations”
Another significant move is Trump’s push to designate criminal cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations”. This includes well-known groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, which have contributed to illegal activities and human trafficking along the southern border. The designation could pave the way for additional measures, such as the use of wartime powers to deport individuals affiliated with these groups, further tightening U.S. immigration control.
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A Step Back for Refugees
Trump’s administration has also paused the refugee resettlement program, a policy that under Biden had seen an increase in refugee admissions. Refugee organizations are concerned that this decision will leave many individuals fleeing war and persecution without any legal pathway to safety in the U.S. Asylum advocates argue that the suspension will harm vulnerable populations who have followed legal procedures to seek refuge in the U.S.
The Road Ahead
With these bold executive orders, President Trump is ushering in a new era of immigration policy, but the practical implementation of these changes is likely to face significant hurdles. Legal challenges are already on the horizon, and logistical issues could delay or complicate the execution of such a comprehensive agenda.
In the meantime, migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as immigration advocates, will continue to navigate a rapidly shifting landscape, one where their fates may rest in the balance of executive orders and the courts .
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