Imposing Duties to Address the Situation at Our Southern Border
February 1, 2025
Action Summary
- National Emergency Declaration: Expands the previous emergency to address the sustained influx of illegal aliens, illicit drugs, and related criminal activities at the southern border, emphasizing threats to national security, public health, and community safety.
- Tariff Imposition: Imposes a 25% ad valorem tariff on all articles that are products of Mexico for goods entered on or after February 4, 2025, with specific exemptions and conditions outlined, and with the potential for future expansion if retaliatory measures occur.
- Legal and Regulatory Authority: Utilizes powers granted under IEEPA, NEA, and the Trade Act of 1974 to modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and enforce tariffs, ensuring that all agencies act within their legal authority.
- Interagency Coordination and Oversight: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate with the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Commerce, and others, including national security and law enforcement officials, to assess Mexico’s compliance and the overall situation at the border.
- Conditional Tariff Removal: States that tariffs will be lifted once the President determines that Mexico has taken adequate cooperative actions to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking.
- Additional Measures and Reporting: Authorizes relevant agencies to adopt further regulatory actions and submit recurring and final reports to Congress regarding the ongoing national emergency.
- General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not impair existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights, and that it will be implemented in accordance with applicable law and available appropriations.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order imposes a 25% tariff on products from Mexico, which could lead to increased costs for goods and services. This may affect Vanderbilt University’s procurement processes, especially if any supplies or equipment are sourced from Mexico.
- There is a potential risk of retaliatory tariffs from Mexico, which could impact the university’s partnerships or collaborations with Mexican institutions or businesses.
- The focus on border security and immigration may affect international students, particularly those from Mexico or other Latin American countries, potentially impacting enrollment and diversity at Vanderbilt University.
- The order’s emphasis on national security and drug trafficking could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation, affecting research projects related to these areas, especially those involving international collaboration.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Procurement Office may need to reassess supply chains and consider alternative sources for goods previously imported from Mexico to mitigate cost increases due to tariffs.
- International Student and Scholar Services might experience an increase in inquiries and require additional resources to support students affected by changes in immigration policies.
- The Center for Latin American Studies could see a shift in research focus or funding opportunities related to U.S.-Mexico relations and border security issues.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Global Safety and Security may need to update travel advisories and support for students and faculty traveling to or from Mexico.
Financial Impact
- The imposition of tariffs could lead to increased operational costs for the university, particularly if goods and services from Mexico are integral to its operations.
- Potential retaliatory measures by Mexico could affect funding or collaborative opportunities with Mexican institutions, impacting research and academic exchanges.
- Changes in immigration policies may influence the university’s revenue from international student tuition, necessitating adjustments in financial planning and aid distribution.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in research and policy analysis related to the impacts of the Executive Order, potentially attracting new funding sources.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the imposition of tariffs on Mexican imports, as these could affect research funding and partnerships with Mexican institutions. Understanding the economic impact of these tariffs will be crucial for strategic planning.
- The Department of Political Science should consider conducting research on the implications of increased tariffs and border security measures on international relations and trade. This research could provide valuable insights into the broader geopolitical impacts of the executive order.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies should engage in dialogue with Mexican academic and governmental partners to assess the impact of the executive order on cross-border collaborations and educational exchanges. This engagement can help maintain and strengthen international partnerships.
- The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should explore the potential effects of the executive order on educational access for immigrant communities. By understanding these impacts, Peabody can develop programs to support affected students and families.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to offer expertise and analysis on the legal implications of the national emergency declaration and the imposition of tariffs. This could position the Law School as a thought leader in international trade law.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in public policy to influence discussions on border security and immigration reform. Hosting forums and workshops on these topics can enhance the university’s role in shaping national policy debates.
- The focus on national security and border control offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to develop technologies and solutions that address border security challenges. Collaborating with government agencies on research initiatives could lead to new funding and innovation opportunities.
Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order necessitates major process changes due to its impact on international relations, trade, and educational partnerships.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Effective February 4, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET – The additional 25% tariff on articles of Mexico applies to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse on or after this time.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Responsible for coordinating border security measures, enforcing the order’s directives, and implementing tariff modifications.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): A key component of DHS, it is tasked with certifying imports and monitoring the influx of inadmissible encounters at the border.
- Department of the Treasury: Involved in the administration and collection of tariffs, and in addressing potential economic measures should Mexico retaliate.
- Department of Commerce: Assists with implementing regulatory changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule necessary for enforcing the tariffs.
- Department of Justice (DOJ): Through the Attorney General, participates in enforcement and legal actions related to border security and national emergency issues.
- Department of State: Engages in diplomatic consultations and ensuring cooperative measures with the government of Mexico are pursued.
- Executive Office of the President: Specifically, offices of the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, which provide advisory support and strategic guidance in response to the crisis.
Relevance Score: 3 (Between 6 and 10 federal agencies are directly implicated in the directives and responsibilities outlined in the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Charged with modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and coordinating the implementation of the tariffs, rulemaking, and overall execution of border security and national emergency directives.
- Secretary of State – To be consulted regularly regarding the situation at the southern border and the extent of Mexico’s cooperative measures.
- Attorney General – To provide consultation on border security, national security, and enforcement measures related to combating illegal migration and illicit drug trafficking.
- Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – To participate in consultations ensuring that national security implications are adequately addressed.
- Assistant to the President for Homeland Security – To coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security and other officials for effective implementation and consistent monitoring of the border situation.
- Secretary of the Treasury – To coordinate with DHS and other cabinet officials on any economic or trade-related responses, including tariff adjustments.
- Secretary of Commerce – To work in consultation with DHS and Treasury in implementing trade measures and related regulatory actions.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect multiple Cabinet-level officials with significant operational and strategic responsibilities.)