Trump’s New Immigration Moves to ‘Secure Our Borders’

This article is a complete roundup of Donald Trump’s most noteworthy moves as the 47th President of the United States of America – some of which are part of Trump’s wide-ranging executive order called “Securing Our Borders.”

Sending Troops to the Southern Border

Among many actions taken to tighten security at the southwest border with Mexico, Trump ordered the Department of Defense to increase its presence to ensure complete operational control. So far, an additional 1,500 ground forces have been deployed to the southern border, representing a 60% increase in active-duty troops. However, according to a Washington Post report, this number can grow to 10,000 if the administration’s plans are realized.

Cancelling Birthright Citizenship

Trump also signed an executive order ending the constitutionally protected birthright citizenship. This new executive order instructs federal agencies to stop issuing citizenship documents to babies born in the country to parents lacking legal status at least 30 days after they were issued.

However, this controversial move was soon challenged by people across the country, who said this action violated the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment.

Ordering Investigations of Sanctuaries

The Justice Department has also ordered federal prosecutors to investigate officials – including sanctuary jurisdictions – who they believe are getting in the way of the administration’s immigration policies. The department also warned that such local officials could be prosecuted if they do not cooperate.

Suspending Asylum

Trump issued an executive order fully suspending access to asylum until the so-called invasion at the southern border ends. According to the order notes the federal government currently lacks an effective operational capability to screen all illegal immigrants crossing the southern border for communicable diseases of public-health concern.

‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy

As part of Trump’s “Securing Our Borders” initiative, he has ordered the homeland security secretary to restart implementation of the policy officially referred to as the Migrant Protection Protocols “as soon as practicable.” Initially, this policy began its journey during Trump’s first term and met with several legal challenges. This allows the Homeland Security Department to return migrants to Mexico to await the outcome of judicial proceedings.

Suspending the CBP One App

Trump has also ended the use of the CBP One application. This application allowed migrants to schedule their asylum appointments at a port of entry. Launched near the end of Trump’s first term, the Biden administration later expanded the app’s use. However, this app also had some technical glitches, and in one of his campaign speeches Trump referred to it as the “Kamala phone app” while claiming that it was used for “smuggling illegals.”