Trump Plans Major Immigration Policy Changes on First Day in Office
US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to initiate the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in American history starting on his first day in office, January 20, 2025. Transition team spokesperson Caroline Rabbit revealed that Trump’s administration is drafting multiple executive orders, including the reinstatement of the controversial 'Remain in Mexico' policy, which requires asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their claims are processed. This policy was previously enacted during Trump’s first term but faced challenges under the Biden administration.
Trump’s campaign heavily focused on illegal immigration, asserting that the Biden administration's policies led to a surge in illegal crossings and associated social issues. He has proposed a deportation operation targeting up to 20 million undocumented immigrants, drawing parallels to the Eisenhower administration's mass deportation efforts in the 1950s. Critics, including the American Immigration Council, have raised concerns about potential human rights violations, emphasizing that no prior deportation initiative has successfully managed large numbers without mass detentions. Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been appointed as 'border czar' to oversee these initiatives, assuring that the deportation process will be well-organized and humane.
Scholz Engages with Trump on Future Cooperation
In a separate development, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with President-elect Trump for the first time since the US election, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong German-American relations. Scholz congratulated Trump on his victory and expressed a desire to continue the long-standing cooperation between the two nations while acknowledging potential shifts in their partnership.
During their conversation, Scholz highlighted the need to work collaboratively towards peace in Europe, amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges. Notably, Trump has already reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, advising against escalating tensions in Ukraine and discussing the US military presence in Europe. Trump's approach to the Ukraine conflict remains under scrutiny, especially concerning future US military aid to Ukraine, which may be impacted by his administration's policies. As Trump prepares for his second term, both leaders appear poised to navigate a complex international landscape.
