On January 20, 2025, as Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States, he wasted no time rolling out his blueprint for immigration reform through a series of executive orders aimed at bolstering security at the southern border. The immediate effects were felt by numerous migrants who had been waiting for the chance to enter the U.S. under the now-canceled CBP One program. Just hours after being sworn in, Trump made good on one of his key promises to reinforce immigration controls, marking another decisive shift within his administration's policy on this contentious issue.
According to reports by the Associated Press, Trump’s executive orders included the immediate cancellation of all existing appointments made through the CBP One app, which had facilitated the entry of nearly one million migrants legally. Many asylum seekers, including families and individuals from various countries, learned they would no longer be allowed to cross the border, leaving them stranded and uncertain of their futures. "We don’t know what we are going to do," expressed Melanie Mendoza, a 21-year-old Venezuelan migrant, as she and her boyfriend awaited their appointments at the border crossing in Tijuana. The couple had invested considerable resources and time attempting to reach safety.
Trump's orders also reinstate the controversial 'Remain in Mexico' policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait south of the border for their hearings, which had been halted during the previous administration. This reinstatement highlights Trump's commitment to earlier policies he had implemented during his first term. Mexico's cooperation was pivotal, with the country agreeing to allow asylum-seekers to remain there pending their U.S. court cases. Some advocates have criticized these moves, warning they pose significant risks for migrants. "This is déjà vu of the darkest kind," stated Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge.
Further complicate the situation, Trump initiated plans to end the right to birthright citizenship, which has been disputed since its inception as part of the 14th Amendment. He declared, "I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted..." This declaration is expected to set off significant legal battles, as the ACLU and other advocacy groups quickly announced their plans to sue, calling the potential changes "a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values."
For many migrants currently affected by this shift, Pence's policies impose more fear and instability than security. Rocio, a single mother from Mexico residing in South Florida, expressed concerns over how the new deportation policies could affect her and her 13-year-old son. "We have to be very careful," she said, highlighting the emotional toll these regulations impose on families trying to build new lives amid anxiety and uncertainty.
With Trump’s administration set to enforce what they call stricter immigration regulations, issues take on the role of law enforcement on the local and state level. Trump aims to partner with state and local governments to empower police to enforce federal immigration laws actively, potentially shifting the dynamics of how immigration is dealt with across various regions. This approach raises eyebrows and warrants concern over the treatment of individuals merely seeking asylum or refuge from violence.
Despite the swift execution of these executive orders, many expect substantial legal challenges to arise as individuals and organizations push back against what they view as overreach. The immediate impact seen with the cancellation of the CBP One appointments serves as simply the beginning of what is expected to be both controversial and highly fraught policy shifts. The broader ramifications will inevitably affect thousands of lives as waiting migrants face the reality of canceled hopes and dreams.
Though Trump’s presidency has been characterized by tumult and polarizing policies, the immigration debate remains central to his platform. With each canary floating through executive orders, President Trump reopens conversations about the extent of his power and the lengths to which he will go to achieve his policy goals.