In July 2025, the American Immigration Council (AIC) issued a special report covering the first six months of United States President Donald Trump’s second term. Of the 176 executive orders Trump has signed since January, 51 are about foreign policy and immigration. He has issued dozens of memos and proclamations in both categories. The AIC report blames Trump’s anti-immigration agenda, chaotic administration, and overzealous enforcement for creating a climate of harm and cruelty against foreigners. With this in mind, let’s review some of the executive orders sparking discussion at immigration law firms, such as those who provide immigration services in San Diego.
Protecting the American People Against Invasion
The ominous title of this executive order is at the heart of the “deportation force” Trump had promised since his first term in 2017. Essentially, the order deepens the scope of deportations to target all undocumented immigrants through cooperation with state and municipal law enforcement agencies. This order has created major problems and civil disobedience because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is applying a “low-hanging fruit” strategy of going after asylum-seeking migrants, green card holders with misdemeanor offenses, and migrant workers with expired work permits. There has been an alarming lack of ethical enforcement and due process in this regard, and it has sparked fierce protests in Southern California.
Securing Our Borders
After failing to build a border wall dividing the U.S. and Mexico during his first term, Trump signed an executive order suspending all asylum and refugee programs, effectively closing the border to migrants escaping violence, persecution, and extreme poverty. The CBP One app, originally developed to improve the asylum application process, was modified to promote self-deportation. This executive order has been successfully challenged in federal district court. However, the asylum and refugee programs are still on hold because DHS and White House attorneys intend to appeal and take their arguments to the Supreme Court.
Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
With this executive order, Trump wants to end the jus soli principle of granting American citizenship to babies born in the U.S. or its territories. He wants to deny citizenship unless at least one of the parents is a citizen or a green card holder. Trump scored a partial victory with the Supreme Court after complaining about the nationwide effect of district court injunctions blocking his order. Nonetheless, two appellate courts have determined that ending birthright citizenship is an unconstitutional action.
Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists
This order has created tension, apprehension, and harsh detentions at various ports of entry. The visa and vetting processes at U.S. embassies and consulates are getting stricter, thus raising the bar for admissibility. The background checks are getting more intensive, particularly for visa applicants who have lived in nations with suspension of entry restrictions. At airports, cruise terminals, and border crossing points, agents from Customs and Border Protection are increasing their secondary inspections to check digital files and social media activity of arrivals. This has resulted in outrageous detentions that have made international news headlines, thus impacting tourism.
Immigrants have every reason to be concerned, but they shouldn’t lose hope. Instead, they should retain legal counsel and stay in touch with their San Diego immigration attorneys to learn about the latest developments. If you have additional questions regarding potential changes in immigration law, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with KS Visa Law.
