Official government announcements and press releases

Trump Issues 1,500 Pardons, Restricts Birthright Citizenship, Suspends USRAP in First Week

Jan 25, 2025, 09:08 AM

President Donald Trump, in his first week of his second term, has issued a sweeping series of executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policy and other areas of governance. Key measures include restricting birthright citizenship to children of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, suspending asylum and refugee admissions, and declaring a national emergency at the southern border. The orders also direct the use of military resources for border enforcement, prioritize deportations, and impose penalties on employers hiring unauthorized workers. Trump has also issued 1,500 pardons, including for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Many of these actions have already faced legal challenges, including a 14-day injunction on the birthright citizenship order, which critics argue violates the Constitution. In addition to immigration, Trump has revoked diversity and equity initiatives, reinstated policies to expand fossil fuel production, and withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement. His administration has also moved to centralize power, eliminate federal civil service protections, and streamline government operations under a newly created Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Notably, the administration announced an artificial intelligence investment of $500 billion and suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). These actions reflect Trump's campaign promises, signal a sharp policy shift from the previous administration, and include increased worksite enforcement targeting unauthorized workers.