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The first 100 days of Trump’s presidency have been a whirlwind of executive actions, policy shifts, and renewed efforts to redefine the US immigration system. From proposing changes to visa programs to increasing enforcement measures, it seems Trump is ready to take a targeted and aggressive approach to immigration. Reach out to Kats Immigration Law Firm if you think your case will be affected by the immigration reforms being implemented by the new government. With updated information and a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer by your side, you can look forward to making the right decisions for your future in the United States.
After he took oath as the president for his second term, Trump seems to be ready to resume the immigration agenda he came up with during his first term. It appears that he is all set to intensify these efforts, and his focus is on expanding deportation operations, reviving controversial policies, and using military resources for border reinforcement and deportation. Not only this, he is also working to end or limit the legal pathways that the Biden administration created to help migrants come to the US legally.
The upcoming changes are a sign that the new administration will pursue rapid and high-impact actions that will reshape the US immigration policy in the long run. It will also redefine the way immigrants are welcomed in the country.
Read on to learn more about the changes Trump has made in the first 100 days of his second term of presidency, the potential immigration actions on the horizon, and how these policies could affect the migrant communities.
Trump was talking about declaring national emergency at the southern border even before taking oath. As soon as he took office, he passed orders to deploy national guard and military resources to assist with border reinforcement. Although people in the party have criticized his actions, he believes that this enforcement is necessary to close key entry points and prevent illegal immigrants from entering the US.
Trump also plans to resume and expand the US – Mexico border wall construction and may even use an executive order to expedite the process.
Trump promised to begin the biggest mass deportation operation in American history as soon as he took oath. He states that he will be deporting 15 to 20 million people, which has spread fear among undocumented individuals living in the US.
Sources indicate that people with criminal records, as well as individuals who have been through the immigration court process and received final orders of removal, will be targeted. In addition, undocumented residents will also be located and arrested.
Trump also plans to limit asylum access through several mechanisms that will reduce claims made at the southern border. Trump has promised to reimplement the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as “Remain in Mexico,” which would require asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed. Reinstating MPP would reduce the number of migrants released into US communities while they await court dates, but at the same time, it would place many migrants in danger as they wait near the border.
Chances are that the Trump administration will restrict the asylum seeker’s ability to request relief when entering the US between ports of entry and require all petitioners to apply through official ports of entry. The use of the CBP One phone app has also been eliminated, which will create further challenges for people seeking asylum.
The Trump administration could revoke or jeopardize protections for more than 2.7 million people with temporary protections through executive actions and by withdrawing opposition to legal challenges. They can do it by narrowing eligibility for asylum, limiting refugee admissions, and reconsidering protections under programs, like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
While large-scale removals will take time to carry out due to several constraints, chances are that withdrawal of protection through these programs can make it difficult for certain groups to live and work legally in the US.
Trump has been talking about limiting legal immigration. His administration is going to tighten visa issuance for various categories, including H-1B, green cards for immediate relatives, and other qualifying family preference programs. Trump has always said that the US immigration system should prioritize merit-based immigration as opposed to immigrants entering the country through family reunification and humanitarian programs.
Chances are there will be slow steps to reduce the processing of green cards, nonimmigrant visas, and work authorization documents. There will also be stricter vetting processes for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas through executive orders or other policies, which will not only enhance security but also focus on reducing the number of foreign workers.
Related: Trump Signs Six Executive Orders on Immigration | Policy Changes Explained
Another executive order that Trump signed was regarding the end of birthright citizenship, a constitutional right that grants citizenship to any child born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parent’s immigration status. Critics believe that ending birthright citizenship would fundamentally alter the fabric of US immigration policy and lead to a population of stateless individuals born in the US, increasing the undocumented population.
This is not all, Trump is also expected to work on denaturalization. He will target naturalized citizens and deport them if they have committed fraud during their naturalization process or engaged in criminal activity after becoming US citizens.
While it is tough to predict exactly what actions will take place first and how the new policies will be implemented, what is certain is that Trump is committed to fulfilling his promises regarding immigration reform. Only time will tell what these key changes and potential actions could mean for migrants living and working in the United States.
Immigrant communities need to keep their eyes and ears open for more executive orders, legislative proposals, or administrative changes that may make a significant change to their legal status in the United States.
Alina Kats is an experienced immigration attorney and has helped thousands of clients navigate the complexities of the US immigration system. Her knowledge of immigration law combined with her commitment to personalized service empowers her to provide the best services to people who look forward to coming to the US to live a better life.