Immigration Reforms Under Trump’s Golden Age of America
In his inaugural address on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump declared the onset of a “golden age of America,” emphasizing a return to national pride, prosperity, and security. Central to this vision is a series of executive orders aimed at overhauling U.S. immigration policies.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
One of the most contentious orders seeks to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and those on temporary visas. This challenges the 14th Amendment, which has traditionally granted citizenship to anyone born on American soil. Legal experts anticipate significant judicial challenges, with many asserting that such a change cannot be enacted through executive authority alone.
National Border Emergency and Military Deployment
President Trump has declared a national emergency at the southern border, enabling the deployment of U.S. troops to enhance border security. This move aims to curb illegal crossings and expedite the completion of the border wall. Critics argue that militarizing the border may escalate tensions without addressing underlying immigration issues.
Termination of CBP One for Asylum Seekers
Minutes after his inauguration, President Donald Trump ordered the shutdown of the CBP One app, a tool introduced in 2023 during the Biden administration to streamline the asylum process by allowing migrants to schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry. Over its two years of operation, the app facilitated nearly 900,000 legal entries into the United States, but its abrupt termination canceled thousands of scheduled appointments, leaving many migrants stranded and uncertain about their future.
Reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” Policy
President Trump reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases are processed. Proponents believe this will deter frivolous asylum claims, while opponents highlight humanitarian concerns and the potential for prolonged uncertainty for migrants.
Potential Reinstatement of the Travel Plan
One of the most notable orders, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” focuses on enhancing vetting processes for travelers and immigrants. This measure expands travel restrictions on certain countries deemed high-risk and strengthens intelligence sharing among federal agencies. The administration argues that this is a necessary step to prevent security breaches, while critics caution against potential discriminatory impacts.
The Executive Order directs federal agencies to review and report on potential weaknesses in vetting processes within 60 days, focusing on nationals from countries that may pose national security or public safety risks. This review could lead to travel restrictions similar to those imposed in 2017 on majority-Muslim countries or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the order requires agencies to collect data on individuals who entered the U.S. since January 20, 2021, to assess whether any should be removed.
Uncertain Future of the H-1B Work Visa
On January 21, 2025, President Trump addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the future of the H-1B work visa, a cornerstone of employment-based immigration in the U.S. When asked about the differing opinions within his administration on whether to retain or eliminate the program, he remarked, “I like both sides of the argument. We want competent people coming into our country.”
His response suggests that while the H-1B visa program is unlikely to be abolished, significant changes may be on the horizon. The administration appears poised to tighten eligibility requirements, making the program more selective. These potential adjustments could aim to ensure that only the most highly skilled and qualified professionals gain access, aligning with the administration’s broader vision for merit-based immigration reform.
These executive actions mark a decisive shift in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting President Trump’s commitment to stringent border control and national security. As these measures unfold, they are expected to face legal challenges and spark widespread debate about their implications for the nation’s values and economy.
