The Trump administration (2017-2021) marked a significant period of change and challenges for immigrants and those seeking to navigate the U.S. immigration system. As an immigration law firm committed to advocating for our clients, we witnessed firsthand the impact of these policies and the hurdles they created. 

Stricter Immigration policies:

One of the most notable aspects of the Trump administration was the implementation of stricter immigration policies through executive orders: 

• Travel Bans (2017): Early in 2017, the administration issued travel bans affecting several predominantly Muslim countries, creating uncertainty and distress for many families. 
• Increased Vetting (2017): Enhanced vetting procedures for visa applicants were introduced, leading to prolonged processing times and higher denial rates

Changes to Asylum Policies 

The Trump administration made significant changes to asylum policies, making it more difficult for individuals to seek refuge in the U.S. Key changes included:

• Third-Country Transit Rule (2019): This rule required asylum seekers to apply for asylum in at least one country they passed through before reaching the U.S., severely limiting eligibility for many. 
• Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) (2019): Also known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, this forced asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed, exposing them to dangerous conditions. 

Impact on DACA and TPS 

The administration’s stance on programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) also created uncertainty: 

• DACA (2017-2020): Attempts to end the DACA program, starting in 2017, left many Dreamers – individuals brought to the U.S. as children – in limbo, fearing deportation and loss of work authorization. In 2020, the Supreme Court blocked the administration’s attempt to end DACA, but uncertainty remained. 
• TPS (2017-2018): The administration sought to terminate TPS for several countries, including Haiti, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, impacting thousands of individuals who had built lives in the U.S. 

Family Separation and Detention 

One of the most controversial policies was the separation of families at the U.S.-Mexico border: 

• Family Separation (2018): Thousands of children were separated from their parents under a “zero-tolerance” policy announced in 2018, causing widespread outrage and legal battles to reunite families. 
• Detention Conditions (2017-2021): Reports of poor conditions in detention centers, including inadequate healthcare and overcrowding, highlighted significant human rights concerns. 

Increased Enforcement and Deportations 

The administration’s focus on enforcement led to a rise in deportations and heightened fear within immigrant communities: 

• Expanded Enforcement Priorities (2017): Early in the administration, expanded categories of undocumented individuals were prioritized for deportation, leading to increased raids and arrests. 
• Public Charge Rule (2019): The introduction of the public charge rule penalized immigrants who utilized public benefits, discouraging them from seeking essential services. 

Navigating the Challenges with Legal Support 

Throughout these turbulent times, our law firm remained dedicated to providing support and advocacy for our clients. We helped individuals and families: 

• Understand Policy Changes: We kept our clients informed about policy changes and their potential impact on their cases. 
• File Applications and Appeals: We assisted with filing applications, appeals, and providing representation in court to challenge unjust decisions. 
• Seek Humanitarian Relief: We worked tirelessly to secure humanitarian relief for those affected by the administration’s policies. 

Moving Forward 

As we move forward, it is crucial to reflect on the challenges faced and continue advocating for fair and humane immigration policies. Our firm remains committed to supporting our clients through any changes that lie ahead, providing expert guidance and unwavering support. 

If you have been affected by these policies or have questions about your immigration status, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at 732-283-7400 to schedule a consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of immigration law.