Trump begins his term with drastic measures on immigration and the border.

On his first day in the White House, Donald Trump made it clear that immigration will be one of the central pillars of his administration. During his inaugural speech, the president announced a "national emergency" declaration at the U.S.-Mexico border, which will allow him to implement a series of drastic measures to reduce migration flows. This aggressive approach has already generated a wave of reactions, both supportive and critical, and marks a return to policies that had been disapproved during the previous administration. Among the six measures announced, Trump has proposed restoring the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy, which requires asylum seekers to stay on the Mexican side of the border while their cases are processed. This policy, which had been suspended in 2022, is considered one of the most effective strategies to deter migrants from crossing the border, but has been criticized for the living conditions in Mexican camps and the lack of access to legal resources for asylum seekers. Additionally, Trump has terminated the CBP One program, which allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to schedule appointments through an app to enter the U.S. legally. This decision has been described as a cancellation of a mechanism that facilitated access to justice and could lead to an increase in mass arrivals at the border, as many migrants will be left without options to regularize their status. Another of Trump's proposals focuses on eliminating so-called "sanctuary cities," where local authorities do not cooperate with immigration law enforcement. This measure could have a significant impact in places like Chicago and New York, where protection for migrants is a fundamental policy. Critics warn that this action could result in mass deportations and a climate of fear among immigrant communities. Trump has also announced the deployment of troops to the southern border, arguing that the current situation constitutes an "invasion." However, the use of armed forces to enforce civil law raises concerns about respect for human rights and the legality of such actions. U.S. legislation prohibits military personnel from detaining civilians, which raises questions about how these measures will be implemented. The new president has reiterated his commitment to building the border wall, a symbol of his electoral campaign. This project, which will stretch along more than 3,000 km of border, is seen by many as a simplistic solution to a complex problem. The militarization of the border, along with the national emergency declaration, will allow the federal government to access more funds for the deportation of foreigners. Trump has also promised "mass deportation" of migrants with criminal records, although he has not provided details on how this process will be carried out. The appointment of Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff to oversee immigration policies indicates that the strategy will be aggressive and focused on the rapid implementation of these measures. Among the executive orders expected is the suspension of refugee resettlement, a program that had allowed over 100,000 people to find a new home in the U.S. each year. This change has been justified by the White House as a response to the pressure faced by certain communities, although many see it as a setback for human rights and the American tradition of offering refuge to those fleeing persecution. Trump's rhetoric has historically associated migration with an increase in crime, a narrative that has been debunked by numerous studies. However, the administration plans to designate certain criminal groups as "terrorist organizations," which would facilitate more aggressive legal actions against their members. This strategy, reminiscent of dark times in American history, has raised concerns about the rights of migrants and their criminalization. Finally, the reactivation of the federal death penalty for certain immigration-related crimes is another controversial aspect of this new approach. The White House has stated that it will seek to make the death penalty an "appropriate punishment" for specific situations. This return to capital punishment, which had been paused under the previous administration, represents a significant shift in criminal policy and could generate intense debates in the political and social arenas. With a Republican majority in Congress, many of these proposals are likely to advance quickly. However, the implementation of these policies faces not only legal challenges but also growing social discontent that could manifest in protests and resistance both locally and nationally. The Trump administration is confronted with a critical moment where decisions made about immigration will not only define its legacy but also the future of the country in an increasingly interconnected global context.