Trump Revives Border Wall, Ends Migrant Programs \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump issued sweeping executive orders to overhaul U.S. immigration policy, restarting his border wall initiative, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and canceling Biden-era migrant programs like the CBP One app. The orders also target birthright citizenship, mass deportations, and refugee resettlement, marking a sharp shift in U.S. immigration strategy.
Trump’s Immigration Orders: Quick Looks
- Border Security: Construction of the border wall resumes, supported by military logistics.
- CBP One App Canceled: Migrant appointments through the app were voided hours after Trump’s inauguration.
- Remain-in-Mexico Policy: Asylum-seekers must wait in Mexico for U.S. court hearings.
- Birthright Citizenship Attack: Order aims to reinterpret the 14th Amendment to end automatic citizenship.
- Mass Deportations: Trump seeks to deport millions, reviving broad enforcement measures.
- Refugee Resettlement Suspended: Trump halts the program indefinitely, citing strain on communities.
- Cartels as Terrorist Groups: Orders pave the way to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Deep Look
President Donald Trump wasted no time acting on his immigration agenda, signing a series of executive orders hours after his inauguration. These orders aim to revive hardline policies from his first term while introducing aggressive new measures to reshape the U.S. immigration system.
Reinstating “Remain in Mexico” and Ending CBP One
One of Trump’s first moves was to reinstate the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. immigration court cases proceed. During his first term, this policy forced nearly 70,000 migrants into often dangerous conditions.
Mexico announced its willingness to cooperate with the renewed policy but emphasized the need for an online appointment system for asylum-seekers. However, Trump canceled the CBP One app, which had provided migrants with daily appointment slots at border crossings. Critics of the app argue it incentivized illegal migration, while supporters say it brought order to chaotic border conditions.
By midday Monday, migrants with CBP One appointments found them abruptly canceled, leaving many stranded.
Border Wall Construction Resumes
Trump’s executive orders also revive his border wall project, a cornerstone of his first presidency. The Defense Department has been tasked with assisting in construction, providing logistics, detention space, and transportation for border security efforts.
Trump’s order leaves the exact scale of military involvement unclear, but it emphasizes the need to “seal the borders” against unlawful entry. Critics argue that using troops for such roles sends a message that migrants are a security threat rather than individuals seeking safety or opportunity.
Targeting Birthright Citizenship
Trump’s most controversial measure seeks to end birthright citizenship, a right guaranteed under the 14th Amendment. Trump’s order asserts that the amendment has been misinterpreted and proposes a reinterpretation to exclude children born to undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups swiftly announced lawsuits, calling the move unconstitutional and a betrayal of American values. Trump defended the order, claiming it was on “very good grounds” and would take effect in 30 days.
Mass Deportations and Local Enforcement
Trump’s orders revive efforts to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, moving beyond Biden’s targeted deportation policies. His administration plans to negotiate with state and local governments to deputize police officers to enforce immigration laws and deny federal grants to sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
For many immigrants, this shift has renewed fears of family separations and deportations. Rocio, a single mother in Florida, expressed concerns about being detained and leaving her teenage son alone, echoing anxieties felt by countless families.
Suspending Refugee Resettlement
Trump has also indefinitely suspended the refugee resettlement program, which had been rebuilt to a 30-year high under Biden. Trump’s administration cites immigration’s strain on U.S. communities as justification for the freeze, though refugee advocates argue this claim lacks evidence.
“This will devastate people who followed the rules and are waiting to escape danger,” said Mark Hetfield, president of HIAS, a refugee resettlement organization.
Cartels Designated as Terrorist Organizations
Trump’s orders pave the way to label cartels, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation would empower the U.S. government to deploy wartime powers to combat cartels and deport gang members.
Trump described cartels as wielding “campaigns of assassination, terror, and brute force,” emphasizing their control over illegal border crossings. While many support this move as a strong stance against organized crime, critics warn it risks militarizing border enforcement and complicating U.S.-Mexico relations.
Challenges and Criticism
Trump’s far-reaching immigration agenda is likely to face significant legal and logistical hurdles. Courts will scrutinize measures like ending birthright citizenship and mass deportations, while state and local governments may resist cooperating with federal enforcement.
Immigration advocates, including Krish O’Mara Vignarajah of Global Refuge, argue that Trump’s policies ignore the root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and political instability. “This is déjà vu of the darkest kind,” she said, warning that such measures exacerbate border crises without offering long-term solutions.
Environmentalists and economists also point to the potential financial and social costs of resuming the border wall and mass deportations.
A Contrast to Biden’s Approach
Trump’s aggressive stance contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s policies, which sought to balance enforcement with expanded legal immigration pathways. Biden’s CBP One app and refugee resettlement programs were cornerstones of a strategy to address border challenges while providing humanitarian relief.
Under Biden, the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm was launched, and offshore wind leasing reached record highs. Trump’s cancellation of these programs underscores his administration’s preference for traditional energy and economic priorities.
Conclusion
President Trump’s immigration orders mark a dramatic shift in U.S. policy, reviving his first-term agenda while introducing new, controversial measures. From canceling CBP One to targeting birthright citizenship, Trump’s approach reflects his commitment to strict border enforcement and mass deportations.
While these policies resonate with his base, they face significant opposition from legal experts, human rights advocates, and immigrant communities. As Trump’s administration begins implementing these changes, the battle over U.S. immigration policy is set to intensify, with legal challenges likely shaping the future of these initiatives.
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