Immigration Under Homan: Key Changes Ahead

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Immigration Under Homan: Key Changes Ahead

The appointment of Kevin McAleenan as the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ushered in a new era of immigration policy under the Trump administration. While McAleenan, a career civil servant, is seen as less politically charged than his predecessor, Kirstjen Nielsen, his tenure has been marked by the continuation of many of the administration's controversial policies, and the introduction of several new measures that have significantly impacted immigration to the United States.

The Zero Tolerance Policy and Family Separation:

Perhaps the most significant change under McAleenan was the implementation of the "Zero Tolerance" policy in April 2018. This policy mandated the prosecution of all adults crossing the border illegally, even if they were seeking asylum. As a consequence, children were separated from their parents and detained in government facilities. The outcry over this policy, which became a national and international scandal, led to its eventual rollback, but the trauma inflicted on families remains a dark stain on the Trump administration's record.

Increased Border Security and Detention Capacity:

McAleenan oversaw a significant increase in border security measures, including the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border, the construction of additional miles of border wall, and the implementation of tougher asylum procedures. He also oversaw the expansion of detention facilities for undocumented immigrants, with record numbers of migrants being held in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

Asylum Restrictions:

The Trump administration, under McAleenan's watch, implemented several new restrictions on asylum seekers, including the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the US. This policy has been widely criticized for exposing migrants to violence and insecurity in Mexico. The administration also implemented a rule barring asylum seekers from entering the US if they passed through another country on their way here, making it nearly impossible for many migrants to seek asylum in the US.

Focus on "Catch and Release":

While the administration has cracked down on undocumented immigration, it has also focused on addressing the practice of "catch and release," where undocumented immigrants are released into the US while their cases are processed. This policy has been criticized for encouraging illegal immigration, and the administration has sought to reduce its use.

The Future of Immigration Under McAleenan's Successor:

McAleenan resigned in November 2019, and his position has been filled by Chad Wolf, another career civil servant. While Wolf has promised to continue the Trump administration's focus on border security, his approach is likely to be more cautious and pragmatic than his predecessors. However, the administration's overall direction on immigration remains unchanged, with a focus on reducing legal and illegal immigration, and enforcing stricter border security measures.

Conclusion:

The Trump administration's immigration policies, under both Nielsen and McAleenan, have been characterized by a hardline approach, resulting in significant changes to the US immigration system. The future of immigration under Wolf remains uncertain, but it is clear that the administration's agenda will continue to shape the landscape of immigration policy in the United States for years to come.