In a significant move aimed at tightening immigration enforcement, the President of the United States has issued a new executive order that revokes several previous directives related to immigration policy.
The order, signed on January 20, 2025, cites the challenges posed by illegal immigration over the past four years, attributing the increase to the prior administration’s policies.
It highlights concerns over national security and public safety, asserting that many individuals unlawfully present in the country pose threats, including involvement in violent acts, espionage, and terrorism.
Asserting a commitment to enforcing immigration laws, the order states that the Federal Government must prioritize the interests of the American people and protect their safety and well-being.
The new policy sets forth a framework for the federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to efficiently execute their duties against inadmissible and removable aliens.
Executive Order 13993 and others from the previous administration, which had sought to reform immigration practices and provide relief to certain groups, are hereby revoked.
This revocation signals a shift towards stricter enforcement and a focus on the removal of individuals who threaten public safety.
The order charges the Secretary of Homeland Security with establishing clear priorities that enhance the agencies’ capability to remove those who pose risks to the community.
Additionally, it underscores the importance of prosecuting criminal offenses associated with unauthorized entry and continued unlawful presence in the U.S.
To combat crime associated with immigration, the order calls for the creation of Federal Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) in every state.
These task forces will be composed of representatives from federal agencies and relevant state and local law enforcement to halt the operations of criminal organizations and smuggling networks.
The coordinated effort is intended to ensure more efficient execution of federal immigration laws and to disrupt human trafficking, particularly involving children.
In line with these enforcement priorities, the Secretary of Homeland Security is directed to promote compliance among previously unregistered aliens regarding immigration laws, as required by U.S. Code.
The order also paves the way for the assessment and collection of fines against unlawful aliens and those who facilitate their presence in the United States.
The Secretary has been instructed to explore the construction and use of detention facilities to secure removable aliens pending their removal proceedings.
Furthermore, states and localities will have opportunities to partner with federal agencies through agreements that enable them to participate in immigration enforcement under federal supervision.
The policy encourages voluntary compliance for unlawful aliens to depart the U.S. as soon as possible, utilizing available legal provisions for their removal.
It also calls for cooperation with foreign nations to streamline the repatriation process of aliens subject to removal.
In recognizing the complexities of immigration law, the order mandates the establishment of a visa bond system to manage the bonds required for certain visa processes.
A key component of the new directive is the reestablishment of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office within ICE, aimed at providing support to victims of crimes committed by removable aliens.
Actions to rescind prior policies that contributed to illegal immigration will be pursued, including a more stringent application of humanitarian parole, Temporary Protected Status, and employment authorization.
The order emphasizes restrictions on federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions, directing evaluations and actions to ensure that local areas comply with federal law enforcement.
To enhance transparency and collaboration, guidance is to be issued for government entities to ensure they comply with federal immigration status verification laws.
A thorough financial review of federal funding to organizations that assist illegal aliens will be conducted, aiming to terminate agreements that violate legal standards or promote non-compliance.
Such proactive measures include ensuring that public benefits are not extended to unauthorized aliens, reinforcing a stricter approach to immigration enforcement.
The order also indicates a push to increase the number of agents and officers dedicated to immigration duties, thereby expanding the workforce responsible for overseeing compliance with immigration laws.
Under the principles of severability, the executive order states that if any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still hold their enforceability.
According to the order, its provisions should not interfere with existing authorization granted by law to various agencies and their leaders.
As the administration moves forward with these changes, it remains tasked with implementing this order in line with existing appropriations while upholding relevant legal frameworks.
This executive order marks a pivotal shift in U.S. immigration policy, with the current administration signaling a re-commitment to stringent enforcement and a focus on national security.
As communities across the country await the practical implications of this directive, law enforcement agencies and policymakers are preparing to navigate the anticipated changes in immigration enforcement procedures and priorities.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-american-people-against-invasion/
