top of page

A new year, a new administration: What does this mean for immigration policy?

Writer's picture: reelvoicesorgreelvoicesorg


On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump was sworn into office and signed a number of executive orders including ones relating to immigration. 


Firstly, he declared a national emergency at the border which means the armed forces can intervene at the border. 


Second, language “clarifying” the role of the military at the border which includes,  "prioritize the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States along our national borders."


Third, an executive order officially ends the “catch and release” policy, it support building a wall and reaffirms to immigrants to stay in Mexico. Part of this policy is officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which leaves asylum seekers in Mexico while waiting for their asylum claims to be heard in the US. Between the time Remain in Mexico was introduced by the first Trump administration in 2019 and when the US government stopped enrolling new participants in 2022, more than 75,000 asylum seekers were turned away by the US and sent back to face to Mexico.


Forth, the US Refugee Admissions Program has been suspended. 


Fifth, an order was signed to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States. This is probably the most controversial order signed. Since it is a constitutionally protected right guaranteed to anyone born in the United States. 


Sixth, there is an order to have enhanced vetting and screening for all immigrants coming into the United States. Particularly those coming from countries posed as a “national security risk.”


Additionally, criminal cartels are reclassified as terrorists.


By comparison, these are sweeping changes from the previous administration. In sum, there are approximately 21 specific immigration measures that touch upon immigration direct or indirectly. Already, there are a number of nonprofits and organization that have legally challenged the various executive orders. It is also estimated that carrying out the mass deportations could cost billions of dollars. 










Overall, it appears there are numerous legal challenges and chaos. It’s hard to know what policies will be followed and for how long. It also appears that different states are applying these executive orders with different degrees. In California, for example, the Sheriff’s office can enforce a state sanctuary law, or they can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities to carry out mass deportation. It’s unclear how various Sheriff offices will act. In all, there are 58 sheriff offices in California and there is not one stance. Essentially, these sanctuary laws have divided California. We will know more in the upcoming weeks about how it is applied both in California and around the country. 



Sources:








0 views0 comments

Comments


SIGN UP 

to get the receive updates about new stories and other Reel Voices activities.

Thanks for submitting!

Contact Us

Feel free to reach out to us to share your story or to collaborate on our mission of supporting refugees.

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page