Trump Issues Executive Order to Tighten Immigration Vetting, Declares Southern Border Invasion

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at enhancing immigration vetting and screening processes to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security threats. The order also declared an ongoing invasion at the southern border, invoking constitutional powers to suspend the entry of certain aliens.

The order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” mandates stricter vetting procedures for all aliens seeking admission to the U.S. or already present in the country. It requires the Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence to identify resources and establish uniform screening standards within 60 days.

“The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests,” the order states. It emphasizes the need to identify potential threats before their admission or entry into the country.

The order also addresses the southern border crisis, declaring it an “invasion” under Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution. It suspends the physical entry of aliens involved in the invasion and directs federal agencies to take immediate action to repel, repatriate, or remove such individuals.

“Over the last four years, at least 8 million illegal aliens were encountered along the southern border, and countless millions more evaded detection,” the order states. It highlights the strain on public health, safety, and national security caused by the influx of illegal aliens, including the inability to screen for communicable diseases and criminal backgrounds effectively.

The order further calls for the evaluation of visa programs to prevent exploitation by foreign adversaries and recommends measures to promote the assimilation of lawful immigrants into American society. It also tasks federal agencies with identifying countries with deficient vetting information that may warrant suspension of admissions.

President Trump invoked his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Article II of the Constitution to issue the proclamation. “The President’s inherent powers to control the borders of the United States include the ability to prevent the physical entry of aliens involved in an invasion,” the order states.

The proclamation is set to remain in effect until the President determines that the invasion at the southern border has ceased. It also restricts access to certain provisions of the INA for aliens posing public health, safety, or national security risks.

Critics argue that the order could lead to widespread restrictions on immigration and asylum claims, while supporters view it as a necessary step to secure the nation’s borders and protect American citizens.