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The executive orders about immigration can cause difficulties for new immigrants. They can result in delays and cause uncertainties for people trying to live, work, or reunite with family in the US. With a rapidly changing immigration landscape, having the right immigration attorney by your side ensures you navigate these complexities successfully, protect yourself from the consequences of these reforms, and get the desired outcomes. With her experience and deep understanding of immigration laws, Alina Kats guides you every step of the way. She helps you prepare and respond to policy changes and provides the best guidance to keep you out of trouble.
The day he took office on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders related to immigration policies. These orders did not come as a surprise as he had already expressed his plans regarding border security, ending birthright citizenship, limiting asylum pathways, and prioritizing American workers in visa allocations during his election campaign.
His six executive orders on immigration are an indication of how serious he is about tightening enforcement, restricting entries, and reshaping the legal framework regarding who can come and live in the US. These orders reflect a dramatic shift in the government’s approach to immigration and their eagerness to control access.
Here is an overview of each of the six executive orders, offering a glimpse into what has taken place and what you can expect in the coming days.
This executive order ends birthright citizenship for children who are born on or after February 19, 2025, and one of their parents does not have lawful permanent resident status or US citizenship at the time of their birth.
Its impact
Some civil rights organizations filed a combined lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this executive order. The 14th Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees citizenship to all children born in the US. It states that all children born or naturalized in the country are citizens of the United States, irrespective of their parent’s citizenship.
As of now, this executive order is not in effect. The legal battle continues, and the Supreme Court’s decision will be crucial in determining the future of this executive order.
Related: Trump’s Immigration Policies: What You Need to Know
This executive order evaluates the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, as well as all other existing US trade agreements in consultation with other executive departments and agencies. The order especially focuses on tariffs and foreign trade agreements, and the establishment of an External Revenue Service (ERS) to collect tariffs, duties, and other foreign trade-related revenues. The idea is to review trade policies and assess the USMCA, its impact on U.S. workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses, as well as the United States’ participation in the agreement.
Its impact
Although there is no immediate impact of this order’s assessment, there may be a risk to the TN visa as a result of this order’s outcome. TN is a professional work visa that is granted to citizens of Canada and Mexico under the UMSCA.
This executive order ensures increased vetting and screening of all the individuals seeking admission to already present in the United States. This includes obtaining information to confirm any claims made by the applicants. Enhanced screening is essential for individuals from regions or nations with identified security risks. The order stresses the evaluation of all visa programs and a vigilant visa issuance process to protect Americans.
Its impact
This order will result in visa issuance delays due to additional vetting and screening processes. There will also be full or partial bans on people from certain regions.
This order suspends the entry of refugees into the United States under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). It takes effect from January 27, 2025, until DHS advises whether USRAP should resume.
Refugees may be allowed to enter the country on a case-by-case basis, once the authorities determine that their entry does not pose a threat to national security. Within 90 days of January 20, 2025, the secretary of Homeland Security will submit a report if it is in the interest of the US to resume admission of refugees. These reports will continue every 90 days till the USRAP program is reinstated.
This executive order calls for stricter enforcement policies.
With this order, the authorities will focus on:
This executive order calls for the use of armed forces, physical barriers, and unmanned aerial systems at the southern border to address the newly declared national emergency. It is part of the policies and strategies that focus on securing the US borders from all kinds of threats.
These executive orders are a reflection of President Trump’s policy priorities, including deregulation, national security, and education reform. However, many of them are facing legal challenges and may be reversed or revised depending on political development and judicial outcomes.
Although some of these executive orders do not target immigrants directly, their ripple effects can impact immigrants, especially in areas like employment, education, access to healthcare, and legal status. It will take some time before they are observed in their day-to-day life. Staying informed and proactive is essential to find out how these changes may affect your life, status, and your family.
Alina Kats is closely monitoring the immigration policies to see how these orders are implemented and what developments take place to guide you in the best possible way. She understands how these policies can affect your status, rights, or employment. Reach out to Kats Immigration Law for up-to-date legal guidance and find out what you can do to ensure your safe and legal stay in the United States.