On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order titled “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.” This move reversed several key policies introduced during the Biden administration, including those addressing immigration enforcement, detention, asylum, refugee resettlement, and legal immigration systems.
These changes can feel overwhelming, so let’s break down the most significant shifts and what they mean for individuals, families, and communities:
1. Civil Immigration Enforcement Priorities
The Biden-era Executive Order 13993, which revised immigration enforcement priorities to focus on individuals posing threats to national security, public safety, and border security, has been rescinded.
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What’s happening now?
- Immigration enforcement priorities have reverted to broader guidelines that likely reflect Trump’s first-term policy (EO 13768).
- This means individuals without legal status, those with final orders of removal, and others may be at increased risk of deportation.
- Sanctuary cities may lose federal funding if they refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
2. Private Prisons and Detention
Biden’s Executive Order 14006, which directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to phase out contracts with private prisons, has been reversed.
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What’s happening now?
- The DOJ can once again renew contracts with private prison companies.
- While this policy didn’t initially include immigration detention, some private prisons closed under the Biden administration were repurposed for immigration detention.
3. Refugee Resettlement
Biden’s Executive Order 14013 sought to rebuild the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and address climate migration. This EO is now rescinded.
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What’s happening now?
- Refugee resettlement efforts may be scaled back significantly.
- Programs to address refugee backlogs, support Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa recipients, and plan for climate-related migration will likely be halted.
4. Legal Immigration and Integration
Executive Order 14012, focused on streamlining legal immigration processes and promoting immigrant integration, has been overturned.
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What’s happening now?
- Public charge rules, which previously discouraged immigrants from accessing public benefits, are likely returning under stricter guidelines.
- Efforts to simplify processes like naturalization and eliminate inefficiencies (e.g., reusing biometrics, concurrent filings) will likely end.
- Outreach programs supporting citizenship and integration may disappear.
5. Cuba Policy
The Biden administration’s removal of Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism has been reversed.
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What’s happening now?
- Cuba is once again classified as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, which reinstates economic sanctions and restrictions on aid, exports, and financial activities.
Why This Matters
These changes mark a sharp return to stricter immigration policies reminiscent of Trump’s first term. For immigrants and their advocates, this raises many questions about enforcement, legal processes, and program eligibility.
Key Takeaways:
- Individuals without legal status or with final removal orders should be prepared for stricter enforcement.
- Asylum seekers may face more barriers, and legal immigration processes could become slower and more challenging.
- Refugee admissions and integration programs are likely to see cuts.
If you’re affected by these or other changes, it is crucial to consult an experienced immigration attorney to understand your options and rights under the law. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an attorney at Joseph & Hall, you can find an available time and schedule online here.
