Donald Trump is gearing up for his first day back as President with a focus on big immigration changes. He plans to bring back tough rules to stop illegal immigration and build more of the border wall. Trump’s team, led by Tom Homan, will make it easier for officers to arrest and deport people who are in the U.S. illegally, even if they don’t have a criminal record.
Tough New Actions Planned
- More Deportations: Trump wants to get rid of Biden’s rule that focused on deporting people with serious crimes. Instead, everyone without legal status could face deportation, even if they haven’t committed a crime. An estimated 1.4 million people in the U.S. have final deportation orders.
- Sending Troops to the Border: Trump plans to send National Guard troops to help stop illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. He may declare a national emergency to use more funds for wall construction.
- Ending Biden’s Entry Programs: Trump will end Biden’s programs that allowed certain migrants to enter the U.S. legally, including those with sponsors or using an app for appointments at the border. Trump may also talk to Mexico about bringing back the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were reviewed.
- New Border Czar: Tom Homan, a veteran immigration officer, will be the new border czar, leading the efforts to secure the border and enforce the new rules. He’s known for his strict approach to immigration and was a key figure during Trump’s first term.
New Appointments and Possible Legal Fights
Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as his pick for the Secretary of Homeland Security. She has been outspoken about border issues, despite her state being far from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Trump’s bold moves are expected to face legal challenges from Democrat-led states and groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who oppose the stricter policies.
What This Means for Migrants
Migrants who have overstayed their legal status might be encouraged to leave voluntarily, with the chance to apply for legal entry without facing penalties. Trump’s plans aim to reduce illegal crossings and send a strong message that the rules will be much stricter.
Trump’s team believes these changes will help lower illegal immigration and bring back the policies that were in place during his first term as President. Whether or not all these plans will be put into action remains to be seen, as there may be legal and political hurdles ahead.