US Immigration Policy and Border Control During the Trump Administration

The Trump administration’s approach to immigration policy and border control was a contentious issue throughout his presidency. Trump’s administration implemented various executive orders and policies aimed at securing the US border and reducing the number of undocumented immigrants entering the country. However, many of these actions were met with legal challenges and controversy.

One of the most notable actions taken by the Trump administration was the implementation of the “zero tolerance” policy at the border. This policy resulted in the separation of thousands of families, with children being detained in makeshift facilities while their parents were prosecuted for entering the country illegally. The policy was widely criticized, both domestically and internationally, and was eventually reversed in 2018.

Trump also sought to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, a campaign promise that had been a central theme of his presidency. The construction of the wall faced numerous challenges, both logistical and legal. The administration was able to construct some sections of the wall, but the project was far from complete by the end of Trump’s term.

Another controversial policy implemented by the Trump administration was the “public charge” rule. This rule expanded the definition of a “public charge” and made it more difficult for immigrants to obtain green cards if they were deemed likely to rely on public benefits. The rule was widely criticized by immigrant rights groups and was eventually suspended by a federal court in 2020.

Trump’s administration also sought to reduce the number of asylum seekers entering the country by implementing various policies aimed at deterring them from making the journey. One such policy was the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were processed in the US. The policy was widely criticized by human rights groups and was eventually suspended by a federal court in 2021.

Despite these efforts, the number of undocumented immigrants entering the country continued to rise during the Trump administration. Nearly a million asylum seekers crossed the border in 2019, up from 400,000 in 2018. The Covid-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on immigration, with the border being closed to non-essential travel and many flights being canceled.

The current law does not allow the President to unilaterally change immigration policy or border control measures. Any significant changes must go through the legislative process and be approved by Congress. The Trump administration’s attempts to bypass this process through executive orders and policies were often met with legal challenges and controversy.

In conclusion, the Trump administration’s approach to immigration policy and border control was a contentious issue throughout his presidency. While the administration implemented various policies aimed at securing the border and reducing the number of undocumented immigrants entering the country, many of these actions were met with legal challenges and controversy. The current law does not allow the President to unilaterally change immigration policy or border control measures, and any significant changes must go through the legislative process and be approved by Congress.