Over the past decade, immigration has been a major political issue. With millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States and thousands more attempting to enter the country on a daily basis, government officials are seeking to implement policies that will address these concerns while also protecting people's humanitarian rights. The administration of President Donald Trump sought to detain and deport many undocumented immigrants, but President Joe Biden's administration has attempted to make changes to these policies. While these policies have been challenged, a recent Supreme Court decision has allowed the administration to focus on protecting public safety as it enforces immigration laws.
Biden Administration Allowed to Set Priorities for Immigration Enforcement
During the Trump administration, immigration officials took a hard-line approach to immigration enforcement. The administration stated that any immigrants who were in the United States without authorization could be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and they would be subject to deportation proceedings. These policies led to large numbers of immigrants being detained, resulting in criticisms about the humanitarian treatment of detainees and the separation of families.
Once President Biden took office, his administration sought to change these policies, addressing both humanitarian concerns and public safety. Because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has limited resources, the administration chose to prioritize deportations for undocumented immigrants who had a history of violent crime, while also addressing people who had recently entered the United States. While this has resulted in a decline in deportations, it has also helped focus on people who could potentially put others at risk while also addressing the increase in migrants who are attempting to enter the country without authorization.
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