Executive Orders by President Donald J. Trump

Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens

Summary

This executive order aims to protect American communities from criminal aliens by designating and defunding "sanctuary jurisdictions." It directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to identify and penalize jurisdictions that obstruct federal immigration law enforcement. The order also seeks to prevent federal benefits from reaching aliens in sanctuary jurisdictions and to ensure equal treatment of American citizens over aliens.

Expected Effects

The order will likely lead to increased tension between the federal government and sanctuary jurisdictions, potentially resulting in legal challenges and reduced federal funding for affected areas. It could also lead to stricter enforcement of immigration laws and increased scrutiny of individuals receiving federal benefits. The practical effect hinges on the interpretation and enforcement of the order's provisions, particularly the definition of "sanctuary jurisdiction."

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced national security through stricter border control.
  • Reduced crime rates by targeting criminal aliens.
  • Increased compliance with federal immigration laws.
  • Protection of American citizens' rights and benefits.
  • Potential cost savings from reduced public benefits for ineligible aliens.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential erosion of trust between communities and law enforcement.
  • Increased risk of discrimination and civil rights violations.
  • Economic harm to sanctuary jurisdictions due to loss of federal funding.
  • Strain on federal resources due to increased enforcement efforts.
  • Possible legal challenges based on constitutional grounds.

Constitutional Alignment

The order cites Article II and Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution to justify federal supremacy in immigration and national security. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising questions about the extent to which the federal government can compel state and local cooperation with immigration enforcement. The order's potential impact on individual rights and due process also raises constitutional concerns.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).