On January 20, 2025, President Trump introduced a series of executive orders implementing significant changes to the U.S. immigration system. These orders rescinded Biden-era policies aimed at family reunification, refugee resettlement, and migration management, enabling stricter enforcement and expedited removal processes. Birthright citizenship was redefined to exclude children of undocumented or temporary-status parents, a move facing legal challenges due to potential constitutional conflicts. Border security measures intensified with the reinstatement of the Migrant Protection Protocols (Remain in Mexico), expanded detention facilities, and the elimination of catch-and-release practices. Declaring a national emergency at the southern border, the administration mobilized military resources and enhanced surveillance efforts. Immigration enforcement was further strengthened through expedited removal, penalties for undocumented individuals and their supporters, and local deputization for enforcement. The refugee admissions program was indefinitely suspended, with stricter vetting processes in place, while new travel bans, and rigorous visa scrutiny posed challenges for employers and families relying on foreign talent. Additionally, policies restricting gender recognition to male and female created increased risks for nonbinary and transgender individuals, particularly in detention settings.
