As Donald Trump prepares to take office again in 2025, immigration policy is expected to experience a shift back to his previous hardline stance. Here’s a look at what changes could come and how they may impact U.S. immigration.
Enhanced Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
Trump has signaled an increased emphasis on securing U.S. borders, with plans to expand barriers, possibly introducing physical walls alongside technological surveillance measures. Enhanced border patrols and stricter enforcement could become focal points, along with re-establishing programs that expedite the deportation of undocumented immigrants at a faster rate than current policies allow.
Limiting Legal Immigration and Expanding Vetting Measures
Legal immigration pathways may see substantial restrictions, especially for asylum seekers and refugees. Trump’s administration has hinted at further tightening eligibility criteria for refugee and asylum status, seeking to reduce overall numbers. One proposed measure could be a “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring migrants to await the processing of their asylum applications outside the United States—a program that faced controversy during his prior term.
Modifications to H-1B and Work Visa Programs
Trump’s team is expected to review high-skilled work visas, like the H-1B program. Previously, Trump pushed for policies that limited the number of H-1B visas granted and sought to prioritize American workers by requiring companies to prove that hiring foreign workers wouldn’t adversely affect U.S. employment. Re-implementing or expanding these changes could significantly impact industries reliant on international talent, particularly in technology.
Stricter Family-Based Immigration Policies
Reducing chain migration remains a core goal, with Trump’s team likely to focus on limiting family reunification options. This change would mean a move towards merit-based immigration, potentially allowing only immediate family members, such as spouses and minor children, while eliminating eligibility for extended family.
Potential for a National Birthright Citizenship Ban
Trump has proposed eliminating birthright citizenship, which grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil. Though this would face legal challenges, a birthright citizenship ban is part of the broader goal to reduce illegal immigration by removing incentives for birth tourism and undocumented entry.
Increased Restrictions for Sanctuary Cities
Trump has been vocal about withdrawing federal funding from sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. His administration could enforce financial penalties on cities that don’t fully comply with immigration detainers and cooperate with federal agencies, creating pressure to alter local policies on undocumented individuals.
Targeting DACA and Other Humanitarian Programs
Trump’s prior administration sought to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children. Trump’s renewed presidency could include a renewed focus on phasing out DACA and other humanitarian programs, impacting hundreds of thousands of “Dreamers” who rely on this protection to live and work in the U.S. This move would likely face substantial legal and political opposition.
Increased Focus on Crime and Immigration
Trump has connected immigration to crime rates in previous discussions, and his administration may focus on detaining undocumented immigrants who have been charged with crimes. He also proposed reinstating programs that publicize crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, citing public safety concerns as a rationale for heightened enforcement.
These expected policy shifts signal a move toward more restrictive immigration policies in 2025, with increased enforcement and limitations on both undocumented and legal immigration pathways.
