Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens

4/28/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose & Policy: Reassert Federal supremacy over immigration in order to protect national sovereignty, ensure consistent foreign policy, secure national security, and counter the consequences of previous lax enforcement.
Concerns Highlighted: Prior administration’s unchecked entry of aliens; increased risks from international criminal organizations, terrorists, and other malign actors at the southern border; and state/local nullification efforts that undermine Federal law.
Designation of Sanctuary Jurisdictions: Within 30 days, the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security will publish and update a list of States and local jurisdictions obstructing Federal immigration law enforcement, with notifications sent to each identified jurisdiction.
Consequences for Designated Jurisdictions: Federal agencies will coordinate to suspend or terminate funding (e.g., grants and contracts) for sanctuary jurisdictions, and pursue legal remedies for jurisdictions that remain noncompliant after notification.
Federal Benefits Verification: Development of guidance to ensure proper eligibility verification for individuals receiving Federal public benefits within sanctuary jurisdictions, preventing support for illegal aliens.
Equal Treatment of Americans: Actions will be taken to eliminate state and local laws or policies that unlawfully favor aliens over American citizens, such as those affecting higher education tuition and criminal penalties.
General Provisions: The order clarifies that it does not impair existing agency authorities, is subject to applicable law and appropriations, and does not create enforceable rights against the government. Additionally, funding for publication in the Federal Register is provided by the Department of Justice.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s focus on identifying and penalizing sanctuary jurisdictions could lead to significant changes in federal funding allocations. This may impact states and localities that are home to Vanderbilt University, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure that the university relies on.
There is a risk of increased legal and political tensions between federal and state governments, which could create an unstable environment for institutions like Vanderbilt that operate across multiple jurisdictions.
The emphasis on enforcing federal immigration laws may lead to heightened scrutiny of international students and faculty, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s ability to attract and retain global talent.
Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its policies and practices regarding the support and integration of international students and staff, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to increase its resources and support systems to assist international students and faculty in navigating potential changes in immigration enforcement and policy.
The Office of Government and Community Relations might play a crucial role in advocating for the university’s interests and maintaining positive relationships with both federal and state governments amidst potential policy conflicts.
Vanderbilt Law School could see increased demand for expertise in immigration law and policy, presenting opportunities for research and public engagement on these critical issues.
The Financial Aid Office may need to adjust its strategies to ensure compliance with any new federal guidelines regarding the eligibility of students from sanctuary jurisdictions for federal aid.

Financial Impact

The potential suspension or termination of federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions could indirectly affect Vanderbilt’s financial landscape, particularly if state or local funding is reallocated to address shortfalls.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, especially if federal grants and contracts are influenced by compliance with immigration enforcement policies.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in immigration policy and reform, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies.
As immigration enforcement becomes more stringent, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

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 the designation of “sanctuary” jurisdictions and assess any potential impacts on federal funding for the university. Understanding the implications of this designation will be crucial for strategic planning and maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
Vanderbilt’s Legal Department should review state and local laws and policies to ensure they do not conflict with federal immigration laws, particularly in relation to the university’s operations and student services. This will help mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance with federal mandates.
Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the potential impact of changes in federal benefits eligibility for students in sanctuary jurisdictions. This assessment will be important for adapting financial aid strategies and ensuring continued support for affected students.
Vanderbilt’s Community Engagement Office should engage with local and state officials to understand the broader community implications of the executive order and explore opportunities for collaboration in addressing immigration-related challenges.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to conduct research and provide thought leadership on the legal implications of federal immigration policies. By analyzing the impacts of these policies, the Law School can contribute to the national dialogue and influence policy development.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies can leverage this executive order to expand its research on immigration and its effects on communities. This research can inform policy recommendations and enhance the center’s reputation as a leader in immigration studies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to processes and procedures, particularly in legal compliance and financial aid strategies.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

Within 30 days from April 28, 2025: The Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is required to publish a list of States and local jurisdictions designated as sanctuary jurisdictions.
Immediately following publication: Notification to the identified sanctuary jurisdictions must be sent regarding their defiance of Federal immigration law.

Shortest Timeline: 30 days from the date of the order.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Justice (Attorney General): The Attorney General is tasked with publishing the list of sanctuary jurisdictions, notifying defiant jurisdictions of their non-compliance, and pursuing necessary legal remedies for violations of Federal law.
Department of Homeland Security (Secretary): The Secretary is required to coordinate with the Attorney General to list sanctuary jurisdictions, develop verification guidance for Federal benefit eligibility, and assist in overall enforcement of immigration law.
Office of Management and Budget (Director): The Director, in coordination with heads of executive departments, plays a role in identifying and reallocating Federal funds to affected sanctuary jurisdictions.
Executive Department and Agency Heads: These officials are responsible for identifying appropriate funding actions—such as suspending or terminating grants and contracts—in response to sanctuary jurisdiction designations.
State and Local Jurisdictions: While not Federal agencies, state and local governments are directly targeted by this order through notifications and potential withdrawal of Federal funding for obstructing Federal immigration law enforcement.

Relevance Score: 2 (Between 3 and 5 distinct governing bodies or groups are directly impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Attorney General – Charged with publishing the sanctuary jurisdiction list, notifying jurisdictions of their status, pursuing legal remedies against non-compliance, and ensuring equal treatment of American citizens.
Secretary of Homeland Security – Responsible for coordinating with the Attorney General on publishing the sanctuary jurisdiction list, issuing notices, developing guidance for Federal public benefits, and enforcing immigration law at the borders.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Tasked with working alongside agency heads to identify and adjust Federal funding in response to designated sanctuary jurisdictions.
Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies – Required to collaborate with the Office of Management and Budget in suspending or terminating Federal funds for jurisdictions that defy Federal immigration law.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives directly impact Cabinet-level officials and agency heads responsible for national immigration and security policy.)