Just minutes after his inauguration on Monday, Donald Trump unveiled plans to sign multiple executive orders aimed at reforming U.S. citizenship and immigration policies, including presidential decrees designed to limit migrant entries into the country.
“First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border,” Trump stated. He also announced plans to halt all illegal entries promptly and begin deporting numerous undocumented immigrants with criminal records back to their countries of origin.
Additionally, Trump plans to deploy troops to the southern border to counteract what he describes as a disastrous invasion of the country. Reflecting his campaign platform focused on strict immigration control—a stance resonating with his base concerned about demographic changes—he also intends to terminate the longstanding practice of automatically granting U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil.
“We’re going to end asylum,” stated White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly. She outlined plans for an immediate removal process without the possibility of asylum and the cessation of birthright citizenship, despite its roots in the U.S. Constitution, which traditionally grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
Kelly further noted that the Trump administration aims to “clarify” the 14th Amendment, specifically the clause regarding birthright citizenship. “The federal government will not recognize automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens born in the United States,” she added.
The administration also plans to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy from Trump’s previous term, requiring asylum seekers at the Mexican border to stay in Mexico while their applications are processed. Additionally, Trump aims to reintroduce the death penalty for non-citizens who commit capital offenses.
“This is about national security, public safety, and addressing the victims of some of the most violent crimes witnessed in our lifetime,” Kelly emphasized. She also mentioned that the administration plans to resume building the border wall.
Many of Trump’s executive actions from his first term, including Title 42—a public health measure preventing entry during the COVID-19 pandemic—were rescinded under Joe Biden, leading to an increase in border crossings and criticism of Biden’s policies as promoting an “open border.”
Trump’s rhetoric often employs severe imagery regarding illegal immigration, which critics compare to extremist language. Although presidential powers are extensive, they are not without limits.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick from the American Immigration Council remarked that the 14th Amendment explicitly grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., and a president cannot change this with an executive order. “We expect rapid court challenges,” he said, indicating that the legal battles are likely imminent.
Reichlin-Melnick also highlighted that while the U.S. immigration system requires reform, unilateral presidential decrees are not the solution. “Instituting new travel bans will only complicate the U.S. legal immigration system further, making it more complex, costly, and challenging to navigate,” he concluded, suggesting that such actions could harm the United States more than help.
