Former President Donald Trump wasted no time enacting sweeping immigration policies after taking office. Within hours of being sworn in, he signed multiple executive orders, bringing back many policies from his previous administration.

These changes have had significant effects, particularly in states like Texas, where immigration plays a crucial role in the economy and society.

What the Orders Entail

Trump signed 10 executive orders related to immigration, each carrying major policy changes. Some of the most impactful measures include:

Pausing Refugee Resettlement: This decision left tens of thousands of vetted refugees, including around 15,000 Afghans, in uncertainty.

Ending Humanitarian Parole: Immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua now find themselves in legal limbo after Trump ended this program.

Mass Deportation Efforts: Immigration enforcement officials have arrested over 8,200 unauthorized immigrants from Jan. 20 to Feb. 2, though fewer than half have criminal records.

These changes have stirred controversy among politicians, legal experts, and human rights groups, as they mark a drastic shift in U.S. immigration policies.

Legal and Political Pushback

As expected, Trump’s immigration orders have already faced legal resistance. Federal judges quickly blocked an order attempting to end birthright citizenship, deeming it unconstitutional. Additionally, multiple lawsuits have been filed against orders that allow the president to declare migrants as part of an “invasion” and invoke emergency powers.

Civil rights groups and state governments have challenged these executive actions, arguing that they violate constitutional rights and international agreements. The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the legal challenges.

Impact on Texas

Texas, with its long border and large immigrant population, is seeing direct effects from these policies. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin have large communities of immigrants from the affected countries, and many families are now uncertain about their future.

Local officials and advocacy organizations have voiced concerns about:

Family Separations: Many mixed-status families now fear deportation and separation.

Workforce Challenges: Texas relies on immigrant labor in industries like construction, agriculture, and healthcare. Sudden deportations could harm the state’s economy.

Strain on Resources: Legal aid groups and humanitarian organizations are overwhelmed with requests for assistance from affected immigrants.

Reviving Past Policies

Many of Trump’s new policies are recycled from his first term. Some of them had previously been blocked in court or reversed due to public backlash, but are now being reinstated or expanded.

For example, the controversial Remain in Mexico policy, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were processed, is being reintroduced with stricter conditions. Similarly, increased ICE raids and expedited deportations are ramping up across the country, targeting individuals who were previously protected under prior policies.

What’s Next?

With legal battles already underway, it is uncertain how long these policies will remain in effect. Immigration advocates and opposition leaders are mobilizing efforts to challenge the executive orders in court and through legislative measures.

For Texas, the coming months will be critical in determining how these policies affect communities and whether state leaders take action to support immigrants caught in the legal turmoil.