President Biden Signs Six Immigration Executive Orders

President Biden understands the value that immigrants bring to the United States.  His humane approach is reflected in the following executive orders, and there is more to come.  Here is what you need to know so far: 

1. The Muslim and African Travel Ban is terminated.

In a bid for reasonable immigration policy that keeps families together, President Biden has ended a discriminatory travel ban that has separated thousands of immigrant families from 13 countries.

Many family members have been denied US visas under this policy.  The US State Department is now developing a plan to reconsider visa denials issued under the ban.

Background: Trump’s Travel Ban Leaves Thousands of US Citizens Separated from Their Families
 

2. The Dragnet of hunting down undocumented immigrants is gone.

Thanks to President Biden’s executive order,  DHS will place a 100-day moratorium on almost all deportations effective today (Friday, January 22). DHS will conduct a review of immigration enforcement priorities and policies, to focus on national security threats, recent border arrivals, and other people determined to be a public safety risk.

Background: Summary of Executive Order “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States”
 

3. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is seen as a priority and strengthened.

President Biden’s executive order calls on DHS to preserve and fortify DACA.

He has also indicated a desire for more stability and a pathway to US citizenship. 

Background: The Dream Act, DACA, and Other Policies Designed to Protect Dreamers
 

4. Immigrants will now be included in the U.S. Census.

Trump’s executive order calling on the U.S. Census to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2020 Census has also been reversed. As a result, states will not lose out on congressional representation and federal funding due to an inaccurate census count.  

Background: 3 Things You Need to Know About Trump’s Unconstitutional Census Executive Order

5. Liberians are given an extension under Deferred Enforced Departure

President Biden’s executive order will allow thousands of Liberians more time to apply for permanent residence under a December 2019 law—without risk of deportation.  Many applicants have lived in the United States for a decade or more.

Background: How are “Deferred Enforced Departure” and “Extended Voluntary Departure” related to TPS?

6. Sensible approach to Border Wall

President Biden’s executive order halts all new construction on the border wall. The wall has cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, destroyed wilderness, and driven people seeking asylum to travel across dangerous locations.

His plan will address safer ways to apply for asylum while supporting border security through more effective and less harmful security measures.

Background:The High Cost and Diminishing Returns of a Border Wall