The stated position of President-Elect Trump on immigration matters involves hard lines, strict rules, and enforcement of those rules.
When he was in office in previous years, he spoke very openly about wanting to enact strict policies to allegedly curb crime and keep illegal immigration as low as possible. To this end, he issued many regulations and executive orders that had significant impacts on immigrant communities. Based on his current statements, it appears that he intends to take an equally hard line on immigration when he takes office again in January 2025.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. understands that this might be a confusing and uncertain time for those of us in the immigrant community. Our team is here to answer your questions about President-Elect Trump’s policies and guide you through the immigration process. We take steps to stay updated on the latest regulations and laws so we can provide personalized support to fellow immigrants.
Overview of Trump’s Immigration Policies
President-Elect Trump has made it very clear that he is taking a hard line when it comes to immigration. As explained on his campaign’s website, he intends to enact strict immigration policies and conduct the largest deportation program in United States history. Additionally, he says he would like to create rigorous, merit-based criteria for people to immigrate to the United States.
When he was in office from 2017 to 2021, his administration started rigorous construction of a border wall to secure the southern boundary between the United States and Mexico. Based on his current statements and policy, he intends to restart this process.
Additionally, President-Elect Trump has said he plans to reissue travel bans (such as Executive Order 13679).
Expected Changes to Asylum and Refugee Programs
It is unclear what, if any, changes President-Elect Trump’s administration will make to the current asylum and refugee programs. In his previous time in office, he issued a travel ban that limited the ability of people to come into the United States if they were from specific countries.
That executive order did not impact someone’s ability to claim refugee or asylum status.
Likewise, it did not take away someone’s asylum or refugee status. In his second term in office, President-Elect Trump may decide to leave asylum and refugee claims as they are currently, or he may choose to take a different course of action.
Impact on Family-Based Immigration
President-Elect Trump’s immigration policies may have significant impacts on family-based immigration. For example, if he reinstates his prior administration’s travel ban, this could make it more difficult for families to reunite in the United States if family members are in one of the listed countries covered by the ban. Additionally, President-Elect Trump may change the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, which could impact some people’s ability to stay in the United States unless they apply for and get a visa or lawful permanent residency.
Anticipated Effect on DACA and DREAMers
During an administration run by President Trump, immigrants may see changes to DACA and (DREAMers) policies. Previously, when President-Elect Trump was in office, he stopped the DACA policy. The United States Supreme Court struck down this decision, saying it was disproportionate to the enormous impact it would have on thousands of people who have otherwise legal, established lives in the United States.
Given President-Elect Trump’s statements about ending chain migration, he may attempt to end DACA once again when he takes office, but it is unclear if this would be successful. Depending on what his stated policy is at the time, President-Elect Trump may recommend or require the federal government to deport people who are here because of the DACA policy.
Increased Border Security and Deportations
According to President-Elect Trump’s stated policies, he intends to tighten border security and increase deportations when people are in the United States without lawful permission.
President-Elect Trump says he would also like to restart construction of the wall along the United States’ southern border.
He also states that he plans to stop the practice of releasing detained undocumented immigrants into sanctuary cities. As part of this, he intends to deport those who are currently in sanctuary cities and are undocumented or do not have legal permission to be in the United States.
Implications for Immigrants Already in the U.S.
President-Elect Trump has been clear that he intends to deport people who are in the United States without legal authorization. Because of this, immigrants who are already in the United States may risk having the government start removal or deportation proceedings.
People may still be able to defend themselves against removal by requesting asylum, for example. That said, it depends on whether President-Elect Trump’s administration changes the asylum rules that could prevent people from making this claim in this way.
What Immigrants and Their Families Should Do Next
Immigrants may want to speak to a seasoned immigration lawyer who can help them understand the current and anticipated policies. An attorney well-versed in this area of law in the United States can review the person’s current situation and the applicable laws. They can then use this information to create a practical strategy to help protect the immigrant’s rights and keep them safe. The attorney can also find and use available legal options, such as a request to stay or pause removal proceedings, to help keep the person in the United States instead of risk being deported or removed.
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer at Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.
Policies expressed by President-Elect Trump on immigration include strict border enforcement, anticipated mass deportations, and re-issuing and expanding on the prior travel bans.
Additionally, he may try to end or suspend programs like DACA and make it more difficult for people to gain citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. stands ready to support immigrants who need help with applying for visas or lawful permanent residency during this time. As we prepare for a new administration to take over in the United States government, our team routinely researches the most current regulations. We are here to help you and answer your questions. Contact us today by calling 408-292-7995 to schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss your concerns.
