Trump declares border emergency, targets birthright citizenship

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

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President Donald Trump took bold action on immigration upon taking office, signing executive orders to declare illegal border crossings a national emergency and seeking to end birthright citizenship. These measures mark a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and fulfill Trump’s campaign promises to tighten border controls.
Birthright citizenship, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, automatically grants citizenship to individuals born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Trump’s order seeks to deny citizenship to children born to undocumented migrants and temporary visa holders, though it will not apply retroactively. Legal experts argue that changing this policy would require a constitutional amendment, likely facing insurmountable legal challenges. Advocacy groups like the ACLU have already announced lawsuits, calling the order “unconstitutional and un-American.”
Trump also eliminated key Biden-era immigration initiatives, including the CBP One app, which allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments. This decision has left thousands of migrants stranded in Mexico. Programs that permitted up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. monthly were similarly terminated.
In his inaugural speech, Trump pledged to halt illegal entries and deport millions of undocumented immigrants, citing national security as his top priority. He also designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Critics, however, argue these actions will disrupt families, harm communities, and damage the economy.
Immigration advocacy groups have reacted strongly. United We Dream’s executive director warned of “devastating consequences,” while the National Immigration Forum expressed disappointment, accusing the administration of undermining American values.
Trump’s immigration orders, likely to face prolonged legal battles, have set the tone for a contentious new era in U.S. policy.