By Alejandra Hernández
Published: Jan. 22, 2025 at 7:16 AM GMT+5:30 | Updated: 17 hours ago
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Just days after taking office, President Donald Trump has signed a set of executive orders aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigrants in the U.S. These orders have caused a stir across the country, with many concerned about their potential impact on immigrant families.
President Trump has declared a national emergency along the Southern border, saying he plans to carry out “mass deportations” of millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The announcement has left many wondering how these new policies will affect their lives and what changes they might face.
Major Executive Orders Signed by President Trump
One of the key measures announced is an executive order that aims to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants. Birthright citizenship has been a long-standing part of the U.S. Constitution, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born on American soil.
However, President Trump’s new order argues that the 14th Amendment was never meant to automatically grant citizenship to everyone born in the U.S., especially children of undocumented immigrants. The order challenges the interpretation of the Constitution that has been in place for over 150 years.
The president’s team claims that birthright citizenship should not apply to people who are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States. This idea is creating confusion and concern, especially among immigrants who worry about their children’s legal status.
What Does This Mean for Immigrant Families?
Jonathan Jenkins, an immigration lawyer at Eason Law Firm, says this order could create huge problems for immigrant families. He explains that in many cases, children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents have limited options for helping their parents gain legal residency. Even though U.S.-born children are citizens, they cannot apply for their parents’ residency until they turn 21.
Jenkins also points out that many immigrant parents who face deportation might take their children with them to their home countries, causing even more separation of families.
“This is going against over a century of legal interpretation of the Constitution,” Jenkins said. He believes the executive order is unlikely to stand up in court, given its direct challenge to the established understanding of the 14th Amendment.
The Road Ahead: Legal Challenges and Uncertainty
The executive order will go into effect in 30 days, but experts predict that it will face major legal battles. Jenkins believes there will likely be an injunction (a temporary halt) placed on the order while courts review it. The case could take years to resolve, and it remains uncertain whether the order will be upheld or blocked.
“Much of this will depend on the meaning of the phrase ‘subject to the jurisdiction of,'” Jenkins explained. “This issue is likely to be tied up in the courts for a long time.”
If the courts do strike down the executive order, President Trump may attempt to push for a constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship altogether. However, this would require significant political effort and support.
How Will This Affect Immigration Enforcement?
Jenkins points out that the executive order cannot be fully enforced by state authorities because immigration law is under federal jurisdiction. In Arkansas, for example, there are no dedicated immigration courts, and the state is not directly responsible for enforcing federal immigration policies.
However, Jenkins noted that local law enforcement already works with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This collaboration could result in more frequent ICE operations at courthouses and other locations, leading to an increased presence of federal agents in the state.
Jenkins also warned that the path to legal status will become even more complicated for undocumented immigrants. He advised those affected to stay out of trouble and seek advice from immigration lawyers as soon as possible.
Looking Ahead: What Immigrants Should Do
For undocumented immigrants and their families, staying informed and seeking legal help is more important than ever. Although the future remains uncertain, understanding the legal challenges ahead and being prepared can help families navigate this difficult time.
As President Trump’s executive orders move through the legal system, many will be watching closely to see how they impact immigrant communities in the U.S.
(Source : kait8.com)
