A new Trump administration would bring sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system, affecting nearly every aspect of how immigrants and their families navigate their futures in this country. Some policies would target immigrants across the board, while others would disproportionately impact the most vulnerable populations, such as asylum seekers, refugees, and families relying on birthright citizenship.
Emergency at the Border
Trump has declared an emergency along the southern border and is planning on using the military to shut down immigration. Entry into the United States has already been severely restricted, not only for undocumented individuals but also for those seeking lawful pathways to enter, such as asylum seekers fleeing persecution. The CBP One App, the application used to schedule appointments to seek entry at the border, has already been shut down.
Dismantling Asylum and Refugee Protections
The Trump administration has also drastically altered how the U.S. handles asylum and refugee resettlement:
- Ending Asylum Protections: Trump no longer plans to admit any individuals that arrive to at the border without already having full legal status. This would effectively end asylum protections for thousands of individuals fleeing violence, persecution, and other dangers in their home countries.
- Halting Refugee Resettlement: Refugee resettlement programs have been paused for at least four months to start. Thousands of Afghan families have already been affected by cancelled flights that otherwise would have brought to safety allies and family of allies to the prior American operations in Afghanistan. This cuts off a vital lifeline for those who helped U.S. forces and other people in crisis zones around the world.
These changes will have a devastating impact on individuals and families seeking safety and security in the United States.
Threats to Birthright Citizenship
One of the most controversial proposals is the attempt to end birthright citizenship—the constitutional right of individuals born in the U.S. to be granted citizenship. Birthright citizenship is enshrined directly in the Constitution, though, which should greatly complicate Trump’s attempts to destroy it. We anticipate a wide variety of legal challenges to his plan.
Changes to Family Immigration
While immediate changes might focus on the border and our asylum system, family-based immigration applications processed by USCIS will likely also see significant delays and policy shifts. Historically, administrative changes to family immigration have taken longer to implement, but their effects are no less impactful. These changes could introduce additional hurdles for families trying to reunite or stay together in the United States.
Why It’s Critical to Act Now
One vital rule to remember in immigration law is this: you get the rules you filed under. This means that if you submit your application before policy changes go into effect, your case will be processed under the rules in place at the time of filing. Acting promptly and consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help ensure that your rights and opportunities are preserved.
Choosing the Right Attorney
When selecting a law firm to handle your immigration needs, it’s essential to choose an attorney with experience in fighting—and winning—against restrictive immigration policies. At Guerreros Law, we’ve successfully taken on these challenges from the first Trump era and won. We’re prepared to do it again.
The future of immigration in the United States is uncertain, but one thing is clear: waiting could mean losing critical opportunities to secure your future. Contact Guerreros Law today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in protecting your rights and those of your family.