From the Oval Office to Washington’s Capital One Arena, President Donald Trump wasted no time enacting a series of executive orders and decrees aimed at tightening immigration policies. His actions on day one of his presidency included controversial moves to redefine birthright citizenship, declare illegal immigration a national emergency, and revoke major initiatives implemented by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Trump’s swift measures have already ignited fierce backlash from immigration advocacy groups, raising concerns about constitutional violations and potential harm to vulnerable communities. This immigration crackdown is set to reshape the country’s border policies in a significant way.
What Does Redefining Birthright Citizenship Mean for the Constitution?
One of the most contentious moves was Trump’s order to stop issuing documentation to children born in the US to parents who are either undocumented or on temporary visas. This redefinition of birthright citizenship could deny these children access to public services, effectively stripping them of their constitutional rights.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) responded immediately, announcing plans to sue the administration. In a statement, the ACLU declared:
“Denying citizenship to US-born children is not only unconstitutional—it’s also a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values.”
Trump justified his actions by stating, “I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions.”
Why Declare Mexican Drug Cartels Terrorist Organizations?
In his inaugural address, Trump vowed to halt all illegal entry into the United States and deport millions of what he referred to as “criminal aliens.” Among his first executive orders was a declaration naming Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
This move, he explained, was part of his broader effort to protect the nation. “This is a war for the safety and security of our citizens,” Trump stated.
How Has the Termination of CBP One Impacted Migrants?
Trump’s administration also swiftly terminated CBP One, a mobile application introduced under Biden to manage asylum requests and reduce illegal border crossings. The app had enabled migrants to book appointments at ports of entry, providing a legal pathway for asylum.
The Customs and Border Protection website now displays a message stating, “CBP One is no longer available. Existing appointments scheduled through CBP One are no longer valid.”
The sudden move left thousands of migrants stranded, including Oralia, a Mexican woman who fled cartel violence with her epileptic son. After waiting seven months for an appointment through CBP One, she expressed her despair:
“I hope God touches his [Trump’s] heart. We really do need the help.”
Reports indicate that roughly 30,000 appointments had been scheduled via CBP One for the next three weeks, while estimates suggested that up to 270,000 migrants in Mexico were relying on the app for entry.
What Biden-Era Policies Are Being Dismantled?
Trump further dismantled other Biden-era immigration initiatives, including a program that allowed up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to fly to the US per month. This program had been designed to reduce illegal crossings at the border.
Advocacy groups were quick to denounce these moves. Jennie Murray, president and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, criticized the administration’s actions as shortsighted and harmful:
“The expected orders would separate families and weaken our economy. They do not uphold American values.”
How Are Advocacy Groups Reacting to Trump’s Actions?
Immigration advocacy groups and community leaders expressed grave concern over Trump’s sweeping orders. Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director of United We Dream, warned of the devastating consequences:
“Trump’s pledges to carry out mass raids and deportations will have devastating consequences on communities nationwide, leaving millions of families and individuals in disarray if immediate action is not taken by our elected officials to publicly fight back.”
She added, “The administration will spend the next four years actively trying to destroy our lives.”
What Does This Mean for the Future of Immigration Policy?
Trump’s day-one actions have set the tone for a presidency poised to tackle immigration with aggressive measures, but these policies are expected to face significant legal and social resistance. With legal battles already underway and advocacy groups mobilizing, the coming years promise to be fraught with contention over the future of immigration in the United States. This immigration crackdown signals a seismic shift in the nation’s border policies.
