On his first day in office, President Trump wasted no time in addressing one of the most pressing issues that has divided the nation: the ongoing border crisis. In a series of bold executive actions, Trump took decisive steps aimed at securing the U.S. southern border and cracking down on illegal immigration, a stance that has garnered widespread support from many Americans.
Among the first measures Trump enacted was declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. He vowed to deploy military troops, including the National Guard, to the region and instructed the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to begin constructing additional border barriers. These actions are designed to bolster security and prevent illegal immigration while addressing the country’s growing concerns over border control.
As part of his broader immigration policy overhaul, Trump also designated certain international cartels and organizations, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations. He announced plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target these criminal groups, signaling a more aggressive approach to fighting cartel violence and human trafficking.
Trump continued his crackdown on immigration by suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. He ordered a halt to refugee resettlements until the government could determine if allowing refugees to enter the U.S. aligned with the country’s interests. In addition, nearly 1,660 Afghans cleared for resettlement, including families of active-duty U.S. military personnel, had their flights canceled as a result of Trump’s executive actions. Trump also ordered the termination of various categorical parole programs, including those for refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
One of the most significant actions was Trump’s decision to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy. This policy ended a previous program that allowed asylum seekers to be released into the U.S. while their cases were processed, and instead, it requires them to stay in Mexico as they await hearings.
Trump further empowered his administration to take a tough stance against illegal immigration by ordering officials to “repeal, repatriate, or remove any alien engaged in the invasion” of the southern border. His approach to immigration enforcement is rooted in his promise to curtail illegal immigration and strengthen national security.
In one of his most controversial moves, Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. The order asserts that babies born to mothers unlawfully present in the U.S. and fathers who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents will not be granted citizenship. This order, which directly challenges constitutional protections, has already faced legal challenges and is expected to spark further debate.
While Trump has vowed mass deportations, details about how he plans to implement, fund, and staff such a large-scale operation remain unclear. His day-one executive orders, however, set a clear tone for the administration’s approach to border security and immigration reform, signaling that it will be a central focus of his presidency.
These executive actions are already drawing praise from many supporters who share his concerns over border security, but they also highlight a contentious debate that will likely shape the political landscape for years to come.
