The Trump administration has granted immigration officers expanded powers to quickly deport immigrants, including those previously allowed into the country under parole authority by the Biden administration. This move, outlined in an internal memo from Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman of the Department of Homeland Security, allows officials to cancel parole status for immigrants who arrived within the last two years. This could lead to expedited deportation proceedings under the reinstated policy of expedited removal. The new policy is broader than that under the Biden administration, potentially putting many individuals at risk, even U.S. citizens.
Immigration experts warn that the burden of proof is on migrants to demonstrate lawful status or persecution claims, leaving them vulnerable to fast-track deportations. Furthermore, programs like the CBP One app and initiatives for immigrants from certain countries could now be affected. Critics view the memo as sweeping and potentially unlawful, with plans to challenge it in court. The Trump administration’s directive has also empowered additional law enforcement offices to enforce immigration laws more rigorously. The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the policy, citing concerns about due process and constitutional rights.
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