On his first day back in office, President Trump signed a series of controversial executive orders that are set to change U.S. immigration policies in major ways. Using his presidential powers, he targeted asylum protections, border security, and immigration enforcement. These actions, which he justified by calling the situation at the southern border an “invasion,” represent a major shift from how immigration laws have been handled in the past. These decisions could seriously affect immigrants and their families. At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we believe these measures are a troubling overreach of power, threatening the basic rights and protections that immigrants deserve under U.S. and international law. Here’s a closer look at these policies and why they are so concerning.

Suspension of Asylum and Emergency Powers

President Trump suspended key parts of U.S. asylum laws, citing national security and public health concerns. He authorized officials to:

— “Repel, repatriate, or remove” migrants attempting to enter the U.S. through the southern border.

— Halt the physical entry of asylum seekers until the president declares the “invasion” at the border to be over.

This executive order temporarily overrides long-standing asylum protections, leaving thousands of migrants without access to the legal system that evaluates their claims for safety.

What This Means:

— Asylum seekers are now unable to enter the U.S. to present their cases.

— Families fleeing persecution are left in dangerous situations with limited options.

If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome at (203) 753-7300 for immediate assistance.

Restarting Border Wall Construction and the “Remain in Mexico” Policy

Construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall has resumed under the new administration. In addition, the “Remain in Mexico” policy, formally called the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), is back in effect. This policy requires certain asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while waiting for their U.S. immigration court hearings.

Impacts of These Policies:

— Asylum seekers are forced to remain in border cities, many of which face high rates of crime and violence.

— Migrants often lack access to legal representation, healthcare, and safe housing while waiting in Mexico.

— The restart of border wall construction further symbolizes the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, potentially deterring migrants from seeking legal entry.

If these policies are impacting your ability to seek asylum or reunite with family, call the Law Offices of James A. Welcome at (203) 753-7300 to discuss your options.

Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border

President Trump declared a national emergency, describing the situation at the border as a “grave threat” to the United States. This declaration allows:

— Deployment of additional military personnel to assist border enforcement efforts.

— Increased use of federal resources to enhance surveillance, detention, and operational control at the border.

Concerns About the Emergency Declaration:

— The use of military resources for immigration enforcement may blur the lines between civilian and military operations.

— Expanding detention facilities could lead to overcrowding and potential violations of detainees’ rights.

For questions about how this emergency declaration might affect you or your loved ones, contact us at (203) 753-7300 for a consultation.

Ending Birthright Citizenship and Labeling Gangs as Terrorists

The president also announced plans to end birthright citizenship, a policy enshrined in the 14th Amendment that grants citizenship to anyone born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Additionally, he directed federal agencies to label transnational gangs and cartels as terrorist organizations.

What These Changes Could Mean:

— Ending birthright citizenship would affect millions of children born to non-citizen parents, leaving their status uncertain.

— Such changes would face significant legal challenges, as the 14th Amendment explicitly guarantees citizenship by birth.

— Classifying gangs and cartels as terrorist organizations may expand law enforcement powers but raises questions about due process.

Pausing Refugee Admissions and Ending Humanitarian Programs

Another executive order pauses refugee admissions for four months, halting longstanding programs that help individuals fleeing war and persecution. Additionally, the administration terminated initiatives that allowed migrants from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. with American sponsors.

Consequences of These Actions:

— Refugees with approved applications now face indefinite delays in resettlement.

— Vulnerable populations are left in unsafe conditions, with fewer options for legal entry into the U.S.

— The U.S.’s leadership role in global humanitarian efforts is diminished.

How We Can Help

At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we are dedicated to supporting immigrants and their families during these challenging times. We understand how these changes may impact your ability to seek safety, reunite with loved ones, or remain in the United States. Our team offers:

— Comprehensive consultations to evaluate your case and identify the best legal options.

— Strong advocacy for asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals facing deportation.

— Bilingual support in Spanish, Portuguese, and English to ensure clear and effective communication.

These sweeping changes highlight the importance of acting quickly to protect your rights. Contact us today at (203) 753-7300 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate these new challenges.