Trump Administration Policies Create and Target "Criminal" Immigrants

Donald Trump's campaign centered on a large-scale deportation plan, targeting immigrants he described as an "invasion" across the U.S.-Mexico border. The initial stance of the White House press secretary was to label any immigrant without legal permission as a "criminal."

However, the administration's actions have resulted in over a million legally-entered immigrants being classified as "criminals." The administration has effectively removed legal status from tens of thousands of immigrants who were granted humanitarian protections, and many with pending immigration cases are now having their cases dismissed, with federal agents waiting to arrest them.

These policy changes have significantly increased the number of "undocumented" individuals, adding to Trump's deportation figures. According to Karen Tumlin, director of immigrant advocacy groups, the administration is actively creating a larger class of undocumented people by removing their legal status and work authorization.

In February, the administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for several countries. TPS, established in 1990, provides temporary immigration protections for those fleeing war, natural disasters, and other extraordinary conditions. Beneficiaries are eligible for renewable work permits and protection from deportation.

The Supreme Court has allowed the administration to cancel TPS for hundreds of thousands of individuals, making them vulnerable to deportation. Advocacy groups have criticized this move, calling it a punishment for following the law and causing chaos for families. The administration argued that continuing TPS for these nations poses a national security issue.

Immigrant advocacy groups have argued that the government relied on negative stereotypes to justify ending TPS. A federal judge overseeing a challenge to the administration's actions stated that the efforts to cancel protections are based on negative stereotypes and "smacks of racism."

In January, the administration labeled anyone arrested for living in the country without legal permission a "criminal." Shortly after, thousands of immigrants who had legally entered the U.S. through the CBP One app were told to leave.

Furthermore, the administration has restricted entry to travelers and immigrants from numerous countries, effectively closing the door to those seeking even temporary visas. This list includes countries previously granted TPS. According to Kelli Stump, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the administration claims these countries are safe enough for deportations but too dangerous for entry, creating an "invisible wall against immigration.