On his first day back in office, Monday, January 20th, President Donald Trump enacted a series of Executive Orders to strengthen U.S. border security and overhaul immigration policies. The orders address various issues, including curbing illegal immigration and enhancing national safety protocols.
One of the first moves Trump made was to declare a national emergency at the southern border, granting the government authority to combat cartels and regain operational control. He also revoked numerous immigration policies set by the previous administration, including those that had led to the increased entry of illegal aliens into the country.
Trump’s orders also emphasized the deportation of criminal aliens, directing Homeland Security to prioritize the removal of individuals with deportation orders. Additionally, the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy includes resuming the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which mandates that asylum seekers stay in Mexico while awaiting hearings in the U.S.
The executive actions further reinforced Trump’s commitment to limiting entry into the U.S. by enhancing federal vetting, reinstating the travel ban, and temporarily halting refugee admissions. Trump also signed an order to close loopholes in immigration law, explicitly addressing the recognition of U.S. citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants.
In a move to end “catch-and-release” practices, Trump signed an order to terminate programs allowing migrants to remain in the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending. The president also ordered the immediate closure of the CBP One app, which was used to process immigration claims.
Trump’s border security agenda further extends to a commitment to resume the construction of the southern border wall, directing the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to complete the physical barrier. His administration also took a strong stance against international cartels, designating them as foreign terrorist organizations, and announced the deployment of military forces to the southern border to assist in border enforcement efforts.
These orders collectively represent a broad, aggressive approach to U.S. immigration and border security, reflecting President Trump’s commitment to curbing illegal immigration and enhancing national security.