A sign attached to the Border Wall reads, “No Trespassing,” in Ruby, Arizona, U.S., June 26, 2024. REUTERS/Adrees Latif/File Photo
Trump’s Expected Executive Actions on Immigration Enforcement and Border Policy
Overview
Following his recent electoral victory, Donald Trump is reportedly planning several executive actions to strengthen immigration enforcement and rescind signature immigration programs established under President Joe Biden. Key to implementing these policies will be Trump’s “border czar” appointee, Tom Homan, and a team of Republican immigration hardliners.
Key Actions Planned for Inauguration Day
On his first day in office, Trump is expected to issue executive orders to:
- Enhance Interior Enforcement: This measure would give immigration officers broader authority to arrest undocumented individuals, even those without a criminal record. Trump’s order is anticipated to revoke Biden-era guidelines that focused enforcement on individuals with serious criminal records, allowing officers to apprehend anyone with deportable status.
- Reinforce Border Security: Trump is expected to declare illegal immigration a national emergency, a step that could unlock federal funds for border wall construction. Additionally, he may deploy National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to bolster security.
- Resume Border Wall Construction: A primary focus of the renewed border wall efforts may be in Arizona, where opposition to federal immigration enforcement has been pronounced under Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs.
- End Biden’s Legal Entry Programs: Trump aims to dismantle the Biden administration’s “parole” programs, which allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants with U.S. sponsors to enter legally and access work permits. His administration could also end a digital app-based system for migrants in Mexico to schedule border appointments.
Administration and Personnel
Tom Homan, a former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will return as Trump’s “border czar,” leading the immigration and border security initiatives. Senator JD Vance, Trump’s vice president-elect, indicated that Stephen Miller, architect of Trump’s previous immigration policies, will assume the role of deputy chief of staff for policy. Trump is also expected to nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Broader Immigration Goals
Trump’s broader immigration agenda reflects a commitment to strong border and immigration enforcement policies. Central components of his immigration plan include:
- Increasing Deportations: Trump aims to boost deportation rates, prioritizing individuals with felony charges and those who have exhausted legal options to remain in the U.S. Homan confirmed that deportation orders issued by federal judges would be rigorously enforced. Additionally, international students affiliated with groups deemed as security threats could be prioritized for deportation.
- Exploring Transportation Options for Deportations: ICE may utilize military planes and coordinate with other agencies to facilitate deportations if needed, underscoring Trump’s intention to scale operations significantly.
- Restoring the “Remain in Mexico” Program: Trump plans to re-engage Mexico in discussions to revive this program, requiring non-Mexican asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting U.S. immigration court hearings.
Anticipated Legal and Political Challenges
Trump’s robust immigration agenda will likely face legal resistance from states with Democratic leadership and opposition from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other pro-immigration advocacy groups. Legal disputes may arise, particularly over the expansion of interior enforcement policies and the suspension of humanitarian entry programs.
COMMENTS