President Donald Trump has reinstated and expanded the scope of expedited deportation procedures, allowing for the swift removal of undocumented immigrants apprehended anywhere in the U.S. within two years of their arrival.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a formal notice rescinding a 2022 Biden-era policy that had limited the expedited removal process to certain border areas.
The newly restored policy, effective immediately as of January 21, 2025, broadens the scope to the “fullest extent authorized by Congress,” enabling immigration officers to remove individuals who cannot prove at least two years of continuous presence in the country.
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Key Changes Under the New Policy:
- Expanded Enforcement Nationwide:
- The new policy allows immigration authorities to apply expedited removal proceedings to undocumented individuals encountered anywhere in the United States, provided they have been in the country for less than two years.
- Previously, expedited removal was largely restricted to those found within 100 miles of the U.S. border and within 14 days of their arrival.
- Stricter Documentation Requirements:
- Individuals subject to expedited removal will bear the burden of proving their continuous presence in the U.S. for the required two-year period. Failure to do so will result in immediate deportation without a formal court hearing.
- Exclusions and Limitations:
- The order does not apply to individuals who arrive through legal ports of entry, who will continue to undergo standard immigration procedures.
- It does not affect pre-existing removal policies predating 2019, which will remain in force.
President Trump and Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman framed the move as a necessary measure to enhance national security, public safety, and efficiency in immigration enforcement.
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“The previous administration’s policies severely limited our ability to enforce immigration laws effectively,” Trump stated. “By restoring the expedited removal process, we are ensuring that those who enter our country illegally and cannot demonstrate lawful presence are removed quickly and efficiently.”
DHS echoed these sentiments in its announcement, asserting that the reinstated policy will “reduce government costs, enhance national security, and deter future unlawful immigration.”
States like Texas, Arizona, and Florida, which have faced significant challenges with border security and immigration enforcement, are expected to see immediate effects from the policy shift.
As the policy takes effect, immigration officers are expected to ramp up enforcement efforts across the U.S., with increased apprehensions and deportations anticipated.
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