Trump Announces Major Changes to Immigration Policies
Trump Announces Major Changes to Immigration Policies
President Donald Trump made big moves on immigration this week, signing executive orders that could significantly change the rules for people coming to the U.S.
These actions include:
Declaring a national emergency at the southern border;
Starting the process to end birthright citizenship;
Shutting down CBP One, a key border app;
Termination of humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela;
Potentially stricter eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visas; and
Making leadership changes at the Department of Justice office that handles immigration courts.
Declaring a Border Emergency
Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This move allows the military to send resources and troops to speed up construction of the border wall. He also labeled drug cartels as terrorist organizations, claiming that they create a security threat to the U.S.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
One of the most controversial announcements was Trump’s decision to begin the process of ending birthright citizenship for U.S. born children of illegal immigrants.
The new executive order changes the long-standing rule that most people born on U.S. soil are automatically U.S. citizens, as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. Under this order, only children born to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) parent will qualify for citizenship. This excludes children of undocumented parents, temporary visa holders (such as H-1B and L-1 workers), same-sex couples, and those born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), since the order narrowly defines "mother" and "father" as biological parents.
This would likely require a constitutional amendment or approval from the courts, so it won’t happen right away. Legal challenges have already been filed.
Key Border Policies Return
Trump also reinstated his "Remain in Mexico" policy, which requires people seeking asylum to stay in Mexico while their cases are reviewed in the U.S. This policy was highly criticized before and will require Mexico’s cooperation to work.
One of the most important changes announced this week is the shutdown of CBP One. The app allowed migrants to schedule appointments at official border crossings, giving them a safe and organized way to apply for entry. Since it launched in January 2023, more than 936,500 people have used CBP One to secure appointments.
Homeland Security officials credited the app with reducing illegal border crossings because it gave people a clear legal process to follow. But with the app now shut down, that pathway is no longer available.
Even those who already had appointments scheduled through CBP One were affected—U.S. Customs and Border Protection canceled all existing appointments.
This change could make things much harder for people trying to enter the U.S. legally. Without the app, migrants may feel forced to cross the border illegally, which creates more risks and challenges for everyone involved.
Termination of humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela
President Trump has signed an order to end a program that allowed over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. temporarily under humanitarian parole. The Department of Homeland Security has been directed to shut down any parole programs that don't align with Trump's policies, including this one. It’s uncertain what will happen to the hundreds of thousands of people already in the U.S. under this program, which has been praised for reducing unlawful border crossings by migrants from these countries.
America First Trade Policy
The "America First Trade Policy" executive order focuses on reviewing U.S. trade agreements, including the USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement), to ensure they prioritize American workers, businesses, and industries. This review may lead to changes in nonimmigrant visa policies, such as stricter eligibility requirements for TN visas used by Canadian and Mexican professionals, potentially requiring more documentation to prove their qualifications. Other treaty-based visa categories, like E-1, E-2, H-1B1, B-1, and L-1, could also be affected, creating uncertainty for businesses hiring foreign professionals. These shifts aim to strengthen U.S. economic and national security but may reduce job opportunities for noncitizens.
Changes to Immigration Court Leadership
On Monday, four senior officials at the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) were removed from their roles. This office manages immigration courts, and the changes suggest the administration wants tighter control over how cases are handled.
What This Means for You
These new policies are part of Trump’s plan to follow through on campaign promises. However, many of these changes will likely face legal challenges, especially the move to end birthright citizenship. Immigration groups are already preparing lawsuits to fight these actions.
For people hoping to come to the U.S., the situation is becoming more complicated. The shutdown of CBP One could make legal entry harder, and stricter border policies might lead to delays or new challenges.
If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, now is the time to seek legal advice. Immigration laws are shifting, and having the right support can make all the difference.