On January 20, 2025, President Trump began issuing a series of Executive Orders (EO) focusing on recent immigrants to the United States. Lawful immigrants, refugees, and people here without official documentation, including children and families fleeing poverty and war, may all be subject to action by several federal agencies.
The sense of fear in many immigrant communities is very real, especially among those who may have a language barrier or little knowledge of U.S. immigration laws and procedures. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., represent people like you, protecting you from illegal action and explaining your legal options in your own language.
Although the application of the EOs will depend on individual circumstances, here is what we know so far about these presidential mandates:
Possible Return of the “Remain in Mexico” Program
Asylum-seekers coming to the U.S. through Mexico must remain in Mexico until they are lawfully permitted to enter the U.S. This program, which was suspended under President Biden, applies to all aspiring immigrants, including those whose native country is not Mexico. Many fear the dangerous conditions along the Mexican border as they await processing into the U.S.
Removal of the CBP One Mobile Application By DHS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed the CBP One app from Google Play and the App Store. This app was intended to be used by those seeking entrance into the U.S. to make an appointment at a U.S. point of entry to seek asylum. With the suspension of the app, over 30,000 appointments were canceled. An Arlington family-based immigration lawyer can help you reinstate your asylum appointment and advise you on what to do between now and your appointment to reduce the chance of being deported while you wait.
Increase in Federal Prosecutions for Immigration-Related Offenses
The Executive Orders facilitated an increase in the federal prosecution of people who are unlawfully in the United States, which could lead to massive deportations and the risk of separating families. As these deportation initiatives continue, there may be a chance of incarceration for an undetermined amount of time and no guarantee that families will be kept together or deported to their home countries at the same time.
In addition, immigrants who fail to register as being undocumented will face criminal and civil penalties. This EO is based on previous EOs targeting individuals from specific countries and ethnic groups.
“Sanctuary Cities” May Have Federal Funding Revoked
Although the executive orders are issued at a federal level, in practice, executing the orders falls on state and local governments. The President has advised cities that proclaim themselves as sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants and refugees that federal funding for social programs may be suspended until these cities comply with the requirements contained in immigration-based executive orders.
Many of these social programs provide much-needed assistance and relief for families living at or below the Federal Poverty Line, regardless of immigration status. Losing funds for food pantries, food stamps, WIC, and housing assistance negatively impacts many indigent families, not just immigrants and asylum seekers.
What Can an Immigration Attorney Do?
The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., Arlington family-based immigration lawyers, help you understand their rights and legal options. You have the right, no matter what your immigration status is, to speak to an attorney about how changes in immigration policies could affect you and what your options are for remaining in the U.S., You also have the right to file for asylum and to have an attorney guide you through the process. Finally, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect and compassion. Our lawyers help people like you, worried people with nowhere to turn. Please call us today for a consultation.
