Trump plans a wave of immigration executive orders on day one

President-elect Donald Trump is poised to kick off his presidency by prioritizing his hallmark issue: immigration. His strategy involves an aggressive array of executive orders, signaling a crackdown on illegal immigration and a swift dismantling of Biden-era policies. However, fulfilling his most ambitious campaign promises—such as large-scale deportations and ending birthright citizenship—may face significant delays due to legal, logistical, and congressional hurdles. As Trump assumes office on Monday, his focus is on delivering a strong message: the U.S. border is closed to illegal crossings, and unauthorized immigrants—especially those with criminal records—face immediate deportation. Seven insiders familiar with the plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirm that his administration will waste no time rolling out policies designed to resurrect and expand upon measures from his first term. These actions include ending "catch and release," expanding expedited removal, and reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which forces asylum seekers to await processing in Mexico. Additionally, Trump’s team is drafting a national emergency declaration to unlock resources for border security and deportation efforts. Trump’s plans rely on congressional support to solidify his policies into law. Republican lawmakers, viewing their election success as a mandate, are strategizing with Trump officials to pass legislation that would withstand court challenges and future rollbacks. “We’ve been whipsawed by policies shifting from left to right,” said Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas). “It’s Congress’ responsibility to establish long-term solutions prioritizing national security.” Incoming officials, including Tom Homan as border czar and Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy, are expected to play pivotal roles in rallying Republican lawmakers to back Trump’s immigration agenda. Trump’s initial executive orders are expected to include: While the administration is still deliberating the reinstatement of public health-based border policies like Title 42, it is already preparing to further limit asylum access. A potential executive order targeting birthright citizenship is also under consideration. The order could exclude children of undocumented immigrants and short-term visitors from automatic citizenship under the 14th Amendment. However, legal uncertainties and anticipated court challenges may delay its implementation. “We’re preparing for every possible scenario,” said Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center. “The question is what will pass constitutional muster.” Executing Trump’s immigration promises will be costly. Mass deportation efforts, requiring tent facilities and expanded detention capacities, could quickly deplete federal resources. Advocates estimate costs running into billions, raising pressure on Congress to allocate additional funding. Lawmakers acknowledge the challenges ahead. “He’ll act, the opposition will sue, and we’ll legislate,” said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.). Trump’s administration is also exploring the possibility of another travel ban, akin to the one targeting certain Muslim-majority countries during his first term. However, determining which countries to include will take time. Hard-line immigration advocates, including former adviser Steve Bannon, are urging Trump to push for a full moratorium on immigration. “Eventually, I want a 100 percent moratorium,” Bannon said, though he acknowledged this would not happen immediately. While Trump’s Day One actions will make headlines, his broader immigration agenda will unfold gradually. Allies predict that deportation efforts will ramp up over time rather than launching at full scale immediately. “Month one won’t see historic numbers,” an insider said. “But this will build steadily.” As the administration begins implementing its policies, the balance between executive power, legal constraints, and congressional action will determine the extent to which Trump can fulfill his promises to hard-line immigration supporters.