In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued several executive orders that significantly altered U.S. immigration policies. These actions reversed many previous policies and introduced stricter measures affecting various aspects of immigration. If you are an immigrant, visa applicant, or green card holder, these changes may impact your rights and options. Below is a simple breakdown of what has changed and what it means for you.
🚨 What Has Trump Changed in Immigration Law?
Trump’s executive orders fall into two categories:
✔ Reversing Biden’s policies (making it harder for immigrants to stay in the U.S.)
✔ New immigration restrictions (introducing tougher rules and enforcement)
1️⃣ Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship
📌 What Changed?
- Before: Any child born in the U.S. automatically became a U.S. citizen, no matter their parents’ immigration status.
- Now: The executive order aimed to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders.
⚠️ Current Status:
- This order has been blocked by federal judges, who ruled that it violates the 14th Amendment.
- The issue is now tied up in legal battles, and no final decision has been made.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- If you are undocumented or on a visa and expecting a child in the U.S., your child may still receive citizenship while legal battles continue.
2️⃣ Declaring a National Emergency at the U.S.-Mexico Border
📌 What Changed?
- Trump declared a national emergency, allowing military deployment and faster border wall construction.
- Increased border security funding and tighter controls for those seeking to enter the U.S.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- More security checks and delays at the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Increased risk of entry denials if seeking asylum or entering without proper documentation.
3️⃣ Increased Immigration Enforcement & Deportations
📌 What Changed?
- ICE can now arrest and deport undocumented immigrants anywhere—including schools, churches, hospitals, and courthouses.
- Expanded expedited removal, allowing deportations without a court hearing.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- If you are undocumented, you are now at greater risk of deportation.
- Immigrants with pending cases should consult an attorney immediately for legal protection.
4️⃣ Designating Drug Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
📌 What Changed?
- Groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua are now considered terrorist organizations.
- The U.S. can freeze assets, prosecute individuals, and deport suspects faster.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- If you are from a country linked to these groups, expect tougher background checks when applying for a visa.
5️⃣ Rescinding Biden’s Immigration Policies
📌 What Changed?
🚫 Canceled ICE Prioritization Policy:
✔ Before: Under Biden, ICE focused on deporting criminals and recent border crossers.
✔ Now: ICE can deport anyone who is undocumented, even if they have lived in the U.S. for decades.
🚫 Ended Family Reunification Task Force:
✔ Before: A government program helped reunite families separated under Trump’s 2018 policy.
✔ Now: No government program exists to help reunite separated families.
🚫 Increased Processing Delays:
✔ Before: USCIS was working to speed up visa and green card processing.
✔ Now: Expect longer wait times and more application denials.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- If you have an immigration case pending, file all paperwork as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- If you were separated from a family member under past policies, there is no longer a government program to help.
6️⃣ Using the Alien Enemies Act for Mass Deportations
📌 What Changed?
- Trump plans to use a 1798 law to deport large numbers of immigrants without court hearings.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- If implemented, undocumented immigrants could be deported immediately without a trial.
- Legal challenges are being filed to block this plan.
7️⃣ Suspension of Asylum & Refugee Programs
📌 What Changed?
- Asylum seekers at the southern border can no longer apply.
- Refugee resettlement flights have been halted.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- If you are seeking asylum, your case may be rejected.
- Refugees from war-torn regions may no longer have a path to the U.S.
8️⃣ Public Charge Rule for Green Card Applicants
📌 What Changed?
- Immigrants who might use public benefits (e.g., food stamps, Medicaid) could be denied green cards.
🔴 What This Means for You:
- Low-income applicants may find it harder to get permanent residency.
9️⃣ 60-Day Executive Order on Information Sharing – Impact on Visa Applicants from Certain Countries
📌 What Changed?
- Trump issued an executive order requiring the U.S. government to review the information-sharing practices of foreign countries within 60 days.
- Countries that fail to provide enough security and background information on their visa applicants could face travel bans or restrictions.
🔴 Which Countries Are Affected?
- The review primarily targets countries with limited cooperation on security and identity verification, including:
- Iran
- Syria
- Afghanistan
- Yemen
- Venezuela
- Other nations with strained U.S. relations
🔴 What This Means for You:
- If you are applying for a U.S. visa from one of these countries, expect delays or additional security checks.
- If your country does not meet U.S. security standards, visa issuance may be halted or restricted.
- Individuals with dual citizenship from affected countries may also face extra scrutiny.
⏳ What Should You Do Now?
🚀 1. Stay Informed – Immigration policies are changing fast.
📄 2. Ensure Your Immigration Documents Are Up to Date – If you qualify for a green card or citizenship, apply ASAP.
⚖ 3. Seek Legal Help If Facing Deportation or Delays – Contact an immigration attorney immediately.
🔒 4. Know Your Rights – If approached by ICE, do not sign anything without legal advice.
📞 Need Help? Contact Lumina Immigration Law
📍 Office Location: 84 W Santa Clara St, Suite 700 San Jose 95113
📞 Call Us: 408-384-9969
At Lumina Immigration Law, PC, we help immigrants navigate policy changes and protect their rights. If you have questions about how these new laws affect you, schedule a consultation today!
