It has been almost two weeks since Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, and in that short time he has already issued more than a dozen executive orders, making sweeping changes to everything from federal employment to oil pipelines to immigration. On this blog, we take a look at the immigration orders that have been issued so far and how they impact those looking to come to the United States.
Defunding of Sanctuary Cities
President Trump made a promise to crack down on sanctuary cities during his campaign and wasted little time in sticking to his word. In one of his largest orders to date, the President ordered that cities who willfully violate federal law to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation be forbidden from receiving federal grants, except for funding law enforcement, at the discretion of the Attorney general and Secretary of Homeland Security. The President hopes that this will make sanctuary cities play by the federal government’s rules, but several cities have already spoken out that they will defy the order nonetheless.
Change Prioritizing of Deportation Targets
In that same order, President Trump prioritized seven groups of aliens for deportation: anyone convicted of a crime, charged with a crime, who has committed a chargeable offense, who has misrepresented themselves to the government, abused a welfare program, under deportation order, and who “may pose a risk to public safety or national security.” The order also allows local law enforcement to act as immigration officers whenever possible. This will increase the number of potential deportation targets by thousands, including both legal and illegal immigrants, and make the chances of deportation far more likely.
Hiring Thousands of ICE Agents
The third segment of this order enabled the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to be able to deal with the extra burden of the increased deportations by hiring an additional 10,000 agents, subject to funding by Congress.
Border Wall
This order required agencies to begin planning and finding funding for a wall along the Mexican border and additional detention facilities close to the border. It also calls for the hiring of another 5,000 border patrol agents, subject to funding by Congress. The hopes of this order is to catch more people attempting to illegally enter the United States and have holding facilities nearby to expedite their deportation.
Refugee Freeze
In perhaps his most controversial order to date, President Trump called for a full freeze on nearly all refugees for 120 days, pending a review of the refugee vetting process. The order also put a 90-day freeze on entry into the country by all people from seven countries that are considered to be high terrorism risks (Iran, Iraq, Lybia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen). For Syria specifically, the freeze is permanent until the President gives the green light to begin re-accepting refugees and travelers. However, exceptions can be granted to all of these orders on a case-by-case basis, including for those who are a religious minority and facing persecution in their country.
Judges froze multiple portions of this order, including ruling that those already en route to the U.S. could enter, and that those currently already in the country could not be deported. Many other portions are continually challenged every day by those seeking entrance to the United States, including some who have already been issued green cards.
These sweeping changes to immigration law make an experienced Coral Springs immigration attorney crucial to your case. At Guerra Sáenz, PL, we are proud to assist those looking to better their life by entering the United States with their immigration law issues. Whether you need assistance securing a professional visa or are facing a deportation hearing, having an attorney on your side can help you quickly come to a successful resolution to your case.
Call Guerra Sáenz, PL today at (888) 936-3228 and let us review your legal options with you.