Progress on the Situation at Our Southern Border
February 3, 2025
Action Summary
- Authority and Background: Invokes Presidential authority under the Constitution, IEEPA, National Emergencies Act, and the Trade Act to counter threats stemming from Mexico’s failure to curb drug trafficking, human trafficking, and related criminal activities.
- Identified Threat: Determines that inadequate enforcement by Mexico constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy.
- Tariff Measures: Initially imposed ad valorem tariffs on products from Mexico as a countermeasure to the threat.
- Assessment of Cooperative Steps: Acknowledges immediate cooperative actions by the Government of Mexico aimed at mitigating illegal migration and illicit drug flows, while noting that further evaluation is necessary.
- Pause on Additional Tariffs: Suspends the additional 25% ad valorem tariff until March 4, 2025, to allow time for reassessment, amending previous deadlines set in the February 1, 2025 Executive Order.
- Interagency Coordination: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with key national security and law enforcement officials, to continue monitoring the situation at the southern border during the tariff pause.
- Contingency Planning: States that if illegal migration and drug crises intensify, and Mexico does not take sufficient steps to address these issues, the President will reinstate the full tariff measures immediately.
- Legal and Administrative Provisions: Includes severability to preserve remaining directives if parts are invalidated and clarifies that the order does not affect other executive agencies’ authorities or create enforceable rights.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order’s focus on addressing illegal migration and drug trafficking at the southern border could lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory changes that may affect international students and faculty at Vanderbilt University, particularly those from Mexico or Latin America.
- Potential tariffs on Mexican goods could impact the cost of materials and supplies sourced from Mexico, affecting research projects and operational budgets at the university.
- The pause on tariffs until March 4, 2025, provides a temporary reprieve, but the uncertainty surrounding future trade relations with Mexico could lead to volatility in planning and budgeting for university programs that rely on international partnerships.
- Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of these policies on its community engagement and public policy programs, particularly those focused on immigration and international relations.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to prepare for potential changes in immigration policies that could affect students and faculty from Mexico and other Latin American countries.
- The Center for Latin American Studies might see increased demand for expertise and research on U.S.-Mexico relations and border security issues, presenting opportunities for academic contributions and policy analysis.
- Vanderbilt’s Supply Chain Management could be impacted by changes in trade policies, necessitating adjustments in procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
- The Public Policy Studies Program may need to incorporate new content related to border security and international trade policies into its curriculum to reflect the evolving political landscape.
Financial Impact
- The potential imposition of tariffs on Mexican goods could lead to increased costs for research materials and operational supplies, impacting budget allocations and financial planning at Vanderbilt.
- Uncertainty in trade relations may affect funding opportunities for research projects involving international collaboration, particularly those with Mexican institutions or partners.
- Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources or partnerships to mitigate the financial impact of potential tariffs and regulatory changes on its programs and initiatives.
- Changes in immigration policies could influence the demographics of the student body, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international relations and trade.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the imposition of tariffs on Mexican goods, as these could impact research funding and partnerships with Mexican institutions. Understanding the potential economic implications will be crucial for strategic planning.
- The Department of Political Science could explore research opportunities on the impact of international trade policies on national security and foreign relations. This research could provide valuable insights and position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in policy analysis.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies should engage in dialogue with Mexican academic partners to assess the impact of U.S. policies on cross-border collaborations. Strengthening these relationships could mitigate potential disruptions and enhance academic exchanges.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to analyze the legal implications of international trade and immigration policies. By offering expertise in these areas, the Law School can contribute to public discourse and policy development.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in economics and international relations to host conferences or workshops on the effects of trade policies on regional stability and economic development. This could enhance the university’s reputation as a hub for policy innovation and research.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to processes or procedures, particularly in monitoring and responding to changes in international trade and policy impacts.)
Timeline for Implementation
- The additional 25 percent ad valorem tariff is paused and will not take effect until March 4, 2025, at 12:01 am Eastern Time.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with continuing the assessment of the situation at the southern border during the tariff pause.
- Department of State: The Secretary of State is required to consult with DHS and other officials to monitor developments at the border.
- Department of Justice (DOJ): The Attorney General is involved in the interagency consultation efforts to address national security concerns related to border security.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The Director of the OMB is mentioned with respect to ensuring that the order is implemented consistent with budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
- White House National Security and Homeland Security Staff: The Assistants to the President for National Security Affairs and Homeland Security are designated to participate in assessing the situation at the southern border.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies and White House offices are directly impacted by the executive order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Responsible for assessing the situation at the southern border during the tariff pause.
- Secretary of State – Consulted to evaluate the ongoing situation and coordinate international aspects.
- Attorney General – Consulted for legal and enforcement assessments regarding border security.
- Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Involved in strategic evaluation of the border situation.
- Assistant to the President for Homeland Security – Consulted for operational input on homeland security matters.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact multiple Cabinet-level officials and high-level White House advisors, indicating a significant strategic scope).