A potential second Trump presidential term would undoubtedly signal many changes at the U.S.’s southern border, but it would also bring about many changes in U.S. immigration policy overall. As the 2024 presidential campaign gains momentum, we can begin to anticipate policies that could potentially impact U.S. refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and more.
Former President Donald Trump’s appetite for stringent immigration laws is nothing new. We have seen him implement travel bans, visa restrictions, and the Zero Tolerance Policy. He also attempted to put an end to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Should he secure a second term, we can predict similarly harsh immigration policy reform. What new immigration policy might unfold in a potential second Trump term? From the establishment of detention camps to revisiting DACA termination, we can anticipate that the following policies may be implemented based on Trump’s stance.
Detention Camp Establishment
Trump has said that he envisions building huge detention camps near the U.S.-Mexico border, supplementing the existing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. These camps would confine a significant number of undocumented immigrants as they wait for deportation or until their immigration status or legal cases are processed.
While the expansion of these detention camps raises serious human rights concerns, Trump argues that establishing larger detention facilities will speed up case processing and address the influx of undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers in the U.S.
Travel Ban Extension
If Trump is elected for a second term, we are likely to see an extended travel ban targeting citizens from certain predominantly Muslim countries. The former president has indicated as much, including in his November 2023 Veteran’s Day speech, in which he expressed a commitment to rooting out various ideological groups within the country.
Trump seems adamant about intertwining the expansion of the travel ban with efforts to eliminate unauthorized immigration, so this is something to anticipate if he wins the upcoming election.
Halt Birthright Citizenship to Children of Immigrants
Beyond strict immigration bans and mass deportation, Trump has expressed a desire to issue an executive order denying birthright citizenship to children born to parents who are not American citizens or legal permanent residents.
Despite the constitutional guarantee in the 14th Amendment that individuals born on U.S. soil are automatically considered American citizens (whether their parents are citizens or not), Trump seems determined to challenge and take action against this long-standing interpretation.
Contact an Immigration Attorney Today
In a potential second Trump term, we can assume that a more restrictive, hardline immigration policy will drastically ramp up. Potential measures include building physical barriers at the border, increasing funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and renewing efforts to end DACA once again.
Regardless of what develops in the political landscape, our expert immigration lawyers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, the Philippines, and China are here to help. Whether navigating asylum and refugee matters, family-based immigration, or deportation defense and appeals, our team is committed to advocating on your behalf. Call us at (800) 795-8009 or fill out the contact form on our website to connect with our team of expert immigration attorneys today.
