World Immigration News

From classifying immigrants as dead to deportation: A guide to actions on Trump immigration policies

Release Date: 2025-04-12
Media: AP News
Summary: President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda is unfolding through a series of controversial actions and legal battles, involving deportations, policy rollbacks, and enforcement measures.

1. Deportation Order for Columbia University Student
An immigration judge ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and Columbia University graduate student, can be deported for posing a national security risk due to his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. His deportation has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge in New Jersey, and his lawyers are seeking further legal relief.

2. Supreme Court Orders Return of Mistakenly Deported Man
The Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who was wrongly deported despite a court order protecting him. A federal judge demanded daily updates after the government failed to explain his current location or what steps were being taken to return him.

3. No Block on Immigration Enforcement at Religious Sites
A federal judge refused to block immigration enforcement at houses of worship. Religious organizations argued the policy harmed religious freedom and attendance, but the judge ruled there was insufficient evidence of legal harm.

4. Turkish Student Detained by ICE
Rumeysa Ozturk, a doctoral student from Turkey at Tufts University, was detained by ICE agents in Massachusetts. She claims her rights were violated due to her public support for Palestine. Her lawyers are challenging the detention in court, arguing it infringes on free speech and due process.

5. Temporary Protection for Certain Immigrant Groups
A federal judge temporarily halted the Trump administration from deporting over 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who came under a Biden-era humanitarian parole program. Their work permits were set to expire soon. The government is expected to appeal the decision.

6. Mandatory Registry for Undocumented Immigrants Begins
The administration has launched a new registry requiring all undocumented immigrants to register with the federal government or face fines or prosecution. A federal judge upheld the rule, which could impact 2.2 to 3.2 million people. Critics argue it’s a step toward mass deportation.

7. Living Immigrants Misclassified as Deceased
In an effort to pressure undocumented immigrants to self-deport, the Trump administration has reportedly classified over 6,000 living immigrants as deceased—invalidating their Social Security numbers and cutting off access to financial and social services. This action primarily targets people protected under Biden-era policies.

Additionally, an agreement between the IRS and DHS now allows tax data to be shared with ICE, increasing efforts to locate and deport undocumented individuals.

These actions have sparked legal challenges, human rights concerns, and fear among immigrant communities, with critics warning of long-term consequences for civil liberties and due process.
Tags: USA