Thursday, January 26, 2017

Trump Signs Two Executive Actions on Immigration: What Comes Next?

Yesterday President Trump issued the first in a series of Executive Orders on border security and immigration enforcement. Among other items, the President announced that he would order DHS to construct a southern border wall, increase the size of the enforcement agencies, and require that states and localities engage in immigration enforcement to supplement federal efforts. 

Today President Trump is expected to sign an Executive Order that would suspend the issuance of visas and other immigration benefits to nationals of "countries of particular concern," stop refugee admissions for 120 days, add requirements for screenings and procedures for all immigration benefits, halt Syrian refugee processing indefinitely, and suspend the visa interview waiver program, among other things.  These are highly unpredictable times, creating a lot of uncertainly among many foreign nationals.  Continue to watch AILA.org for the latest news regarding executive actions and announcements from the new administration.