Protecting The United States From Foreign Terrorists And Other National Security And Public Safety Threats
January 20, 2025
Action Summary
- Policy and Purpose:
- Protect U.S. citizens from aliens who may commit terrorist attacks, harbor hostile ideologies, or manipulate immigration for nefarious purposes.
- Ensure thorough vetting during the visa issuance process and continuous monitoring of admitted aliens to safeguard national security and public safety.
- Enhanced Vetting and Screening Across Agencies:
- Mandates coordination between the Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence to maximize vetting and screening efforts.
- Establishes a uniform baseline for screening standards akin to those in place on January 19, 2021.
- Requires a report within 60 days identifying countries with deficient vetting data and detailing the admission of nationals from such countries, with possible suspension under section 212(f) of the INA.
- Empowers the Secretary of Homeland Security to take immediate exclusion or removal actions when warranted by new intelligence.
- Additional Measures to Protect the Nation:
- Orders a review and adjustment of existing regulations, policies, and guidelines relating to grounds of inadmissibility to enhance national security.
- Enforces stringent identification verification for refugees and stateless individuals compared to other aliens.
- Mandates an evaluation of visa programs to prevent misuse by foreign hostile actors aiming to undermine U.S. interests.
- Recommends protective actions against foreign nationals who threaten constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and religion, or who support terrorist activities.
- Directs an assessment of resources and programs related to immigrant assimilation and national identity promotion.
- Calls for additional recommendations to further secure the nation from external threats.
- General Provisions:
- Clarifies that the executive order does not impair existing authority of executive departments or interfere with budgetary or administrative functions.
- Stipulates implementation in compliance with applicable law and available appropriations.
- Asserts that no party will have enforceable rights or benefits against the United States arising from this order.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order’s emphasis on enhanced vetting and screening of foreign nationals could impact international students and scholars at Vanderbilt University. This may lead to delays in visa processing and increased scrutiny, potentially affecting the university’s ability to attract and retain international talent.
- There is a risk that the stringent measures could create an unwelcoming environment for international students, which might deter prospective students from applying to Vanderbilt, impacting diversity and the university’s global reputation.
- The focus on national security and public safety could lead to increased compliance requirements for the university, particularly in terms of reporting and monitoring international students and scholars.
- Vanderbilt may need to enhance its support services for international students to navigate the complexities of the new immigration policies, ensuring they feel supported and secure during their studies.
Impacted Programs
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at Vanderbilt will likely need to increase its resources and support to assist students with visa issues and compliance with new regulations.
- Office of Global Safety and Security may need to develop new protocols and training to ensure the safety and security of international students in light of heightened national security measures.
- The Office of the Provost might need to engage in advocacy efforts to ensure that the university’s interests are represented in discussions about immigration policy changes.
- Vanderbilt’s Admissions Office may need to adjust its recruitment strategies to address potential concerns from international applicants regarding the new policies.
Financial Impact
- Potential decreases in international student enrollment could impact tuition revenue, as international students often pay higher tuition rates than domestic students.
- Increased administrative costs may arise from the need to comply with new vetting and screening requirements, as well as from providing additional support services to international students.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on immigration policy and its impacts, particularly through collaborations with government agencies and think tanks.
- Changes in the demographics of the student body could affect financial aid distribution and the university’s budget planning.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services should review and potentially enhance its vetting and support processes for international students and scholars. This will ensure compliance with the enhanced screening and vetting standards outlined in the executive order, particularly for individuals from regions with identified security risks.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in immigration policy and engage with policymakers to advocate for the interests of international students and scholars. This proactive engagement can help mitigate potential negative impacts on Vanderbilt’s international community.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should stay informed about changes in immigration law and policy to provide accurate guidance to the university community. This will be crucial in navigating any legal challenges or adjustments required by the executive order.
- The Center for International Studies should conduct research on the implications of enhanced vetting and screening measures on international collaboration and academic exchange. This research can inform university policy and strategy in maintaining global partnerships.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in research and advocacy related to immigration law and policy. By contributing to the national conversation on these issues, the Law School can enhance its reputation as a leader in legal scholarship and policy analysis.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in international relations and security studies to offer insights and recommendations on national security policies. This can position the university as a thought leader in addressing complex global challenges.
- The focus on assimilation and promoting a unified American identity offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Sociology Department to study the social and cultural impacts of immigration policies. This research can provide valuable insights into the integration of immigrants into American society.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to processes and procedures related to international students and scholars.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Within 30 days from January 20, 2025 – The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, must evaluate and adjust existing regulations, policies, and procedures (Section 3).
- Within 60 days from January 20, 2025 – The same group of officials must jointly submit a report identifying countries with insufficient vetting data and related information (Section 2(b)).
Determination: The shortest timeline identified is 30 days.
Relevance Score: 4
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of State: The Secretary of State is tasked with coordinating the enhanced vetting and screening processes for aliens seeking admission into the United States and with evaluating visa-related regulations.
- Department of Justice: The Attorney General is involved in establishing and enforcing the enhanced screening standards and collaborating in joint reporting efforts with other agencies.
- Department of Homeland Security: The Secretary of Homeland Security plays a critical role in vetting, excluding, or removing aliens who may pose a threat to national security.
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence: The Director of National Intelligence is required to coordinate with other agencies to compile necessary information for enhanced screening and reporting.
- Office of Management and Budget: The Director of the OMB is mentioned to ensure that the order’s implementation aligns with budgetary, administrative, and legislative proposals.
Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of Federal Agencies, specifically 5, are directly impacted by this order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of State – Leads the coordination for enhanced vetting and screening procedures, including the evaluation and adjustment of visa-related regulations and policies.
- Attorney General – Collaborates in reviewing national security risks and ensuring that legal parameters are maintained during the vetting process.
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Implements stringent vetting protocols, oversees the exclusion or removal of individuals posing security threats, and ensures proper resource allocation.
- Director of National Intelligence – Provides necessary intelligence and coordination support to enhance national security assessments in relation to foreign nationals.
- Assistant to the President for Homeland Security – Serves as the reporting conduit, receiving and transmitting comprehensive vetting and screening reports to the President.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level officials, including multiple Cabinet members and top national security leaders).