By Omowumi Omotosho
Donald Trump has clinched the presidency once again, sparking intense discussions about the future of immigration policy in the United States. Trump has promised sweeping changes, including the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, raising pressing questions for immigrants and their families about what lies ahead. Here is a breakdown of the seven major changes that may impact immigrants under Trump’s new administration.
1. Stricter Asylum and Work Permit Rules
Expect a return to the controversial “Remain in Mexico” program, which could force asylum seekers to wait outside the U.S. for their cases to be processed. This policy may be expanded to other countries, making the asylum process even more challenging. Work permits, too, are expected to become harder to obtain, with processing times potentially increasing from 180 days to a full year. Trump may also reduce the validity of work permits from five years to two, impacting thousands of immigrants who entered the U.S. without authorization.
2. Family-Based Green Card Restrictions and Public Charge Rule
Under Trump, obtaining a family-based green card could become more costly and complex. His previous term saw the introduction of the I-944 form, adding layers of scrutiny for applicants based on income, education, and health. Low-income immigrants and those who may need public assistance could face stricter requirements to prove financial stability.
3. Delays in Processing Green Cards, Visas, and Permits
Under Trump’s leadership, delays for green cards, visas, and permits could become widespread as immigration agencies undergo significant shifts. Appointments may require more documentation, and minor errors like blank spaces on forms could lead to rejections. With Trump’s expanded support in the Supreme Court, the administration may be able to enforce these restrictions more effectively than before.
4. Tougher Border Control Policies
The Trump administration is expected to reinstate Title 42, a public health policy used to expel migrants quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advisors are now pushing to re-implement Title 42 for other health-related emergencies. Additionally, the CBP-1 app, which allowed migrants to book appointments at the border, may be eliminated, further tightening entry points.
.5. Work Visa Restrictions
Trump’s “America First” approach is expected to restrict H-1B and H-2B visas, which enable skilled foreign workers to gain employment in the U.S. During his first term, these visa programs saw significant restrictions, a trend likely to continue under his administration.
6. Changes to Humanitarian Parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Humanitarian parole and TPS programs could face cuts, as Trump has signaled his intent to limit these protections. In his first term, efforts to end TPS were thwarted by the courts, but a conservative Supreme Court majority could help Trump end TPS without resistance. This means TPS holders from nations facing conflict or natural disasters may face uncertain futures.
7. Expanded Detention and Deportation
One of the most drastic changes anticipated is a removal of deportation priorities. Instead of focusing on undocumented immigrants with criminal records, Trump’s policy would target all undocumented individuals. Plans reportedly include large-scale workplace raids and the construction of detention centers in Texas to accommodate deportees. While mass deportation of over 11 million undocumented immigrants may be logistically challenging, Trump’s team has hinted at a broader, aggressive enforcement approach.
