PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT: Border Security Achieved in Fewer Than 100 Days
4/28/2025
Action Summary
- Border Security Enhancements:
- Illegal border encounters reduced by 95% and “gotaways” by 99%, achieving record-low daily figures.
- Resumption and expansion of border wall construction with over 85 miles in planning or underway.
- Criminal Gang and Network Crackdown:
- Designation of Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and other criminal groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
- Extensive arrests of gang members, including high-profile MS-13 figures, and major operations targeting dangerous criminals.
- Mass Deportation Operations:
- Implementation of the largest deportation operation in U.S. history with 139,000 deportations and 32,809 arrests in the first 50 days.
- Stricter enforcement leading to significant increases in terrorist arrest statistics linked to illegal immigration.
- Protection of Vulnerable Populations:
- Unaccompanied minor crossings dropped to a record low (from 4.6% under Biden to 0.4% during Trump’s administration).
- Limiting Benefits and Incentives for Illegal Immigration:
- Executive orders to ban welfare and federal benefits for illegal immigrants.
- Termination of programs including food stamps and education fund diversions aimed at supporting illegal immigrants.
- Ending Catch-and-Release Policies:
- Drastic reduction in catch-and-release rates, with releases dropping by 99.99% compared to previous administration figures.
- Legislative and Regulatory Actions:
- Signing of the Laken Riley Act as a legislative response to migrant-related crimes.
- Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to dismantle migrant criminal networks.
- Immigration App and Sanctuary City Crackdowns:
- Shut down of the immigration entry app used under the previous administration, halting migrant access routes.
- Executive orders and legal actions targeting sanctuary cities, including withholding federal funding and litigation against non-compliant jurisdictions.
Risks & Considerations
- The aggressive immigration policies and border security measures could impact Vanderbilt University’s international student population. Stricter immigration enforcement and deportation operations may create an environment of uncertainty and fear among international students and scholars, potentially affecting enrollment and retention.
- The designation of certain gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and the crackdown on illegal immigration could lead to increased scrutiny and vetting of international students, particularly those from countries associated with these groups. This may result in delays or complications in the visa application process.
- The revocation of waivers that allowed colleges to divert federal funds to illegal immigrants may impact Vanderbilt’s financial aid policies and the support available to undocumented students. The university may need to reassess its funding strategies to ensure compliance with new federal regulations.
- The emphasis on border security and the reduction of illegal immigration could lead to changes in the demographic composition of the student body, potentially affecting diversity and inclusion efforts at Vanderbilt.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) may need to enhance its support and advisory services to address the concerns and challenges faced by international students in light of the new immigration policies.
- The Office of Financial Aid might need to review and adjust its policies regarding the allocation of federal funds to ensure compliance with the new executive orders, particularly concerning undocumented students.
- The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see increased demand for research and expertise in immigration policy and its impact on education, providing opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and policymakers.
- The Office of Diversity and Inclusion may need to develop new strategies to maintain and promote diversity within the student body, considering the potential changes in student demographics due to the immigration policies.
Financial Impact
- The potential reduction in international student enrollment could impact tuition revenue, as international students often pay higher tuition rates. This may necessitate adjustments in budget planning and financial projections.
- Changes in federal funding allocations and the revocation of waivers could affect the financial aid landscape, requiring Vanderbilt to explore alternative funding sources to support undocumented and international students.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on immigration policy and its effects on higher education, particularly through partnerships with government agencies and think tanks.
- The university may need to invest in additional resources and support services for international students to mitigate the impact of the new immigration policies and ensure their well-being and success.
Relevance Score: 4 (The executive orders present high risks involving potential major transformations in student demographics and financial aid policies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in federal immigration policies, particularly those affecting international students and scholars. Understanding these changes will be crucial for ensuring compliance and supporting the university’s diverse community.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should review the implications of the executive orders on sanctuary cities and federal funding. This will help assess any potential impacts on university operations and funding, especially if the university is located in or collaborates with sanctuary jurisdictions.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies should consider conducting research on the socio-economic impacts of the new immigration policies. This research can provide valuable insights into the broader effects of these policies on communities and contribute to public discourse.
- Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Program should evaluate the potential impacts of the administration’s immigration policies on local and state economies. This analysis can inform policy recommendations and support the university’s role as a thought leader in public policy.
Opportunities
- The focus on border security and immigration enforcement presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to expand its immigration law programs and clinics. By providing legal support and education, the law school can enhance its reputation and service to the community.
- Vanderbilt’s Peabody College can explore the educational needs of immigrant communities affected by the new policies. Developing programs that support these communities can enhance the college’s impact and outreach.
- The emphasis on national security and immigration control offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department to engage in research and dialogue on the implications of these policies. This can position the department as a leader in political analysis and policy development.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to address the impacts of immigration policy changes on the university’s operations and community.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Kamala’s app for illegals will be shut down immediately—within 24 hours.
- The largest deportation operation will begin on Day One of the administration.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Oversees border security operations including border wall construction and overall enforcement strategies.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Responsible for enforcing border policies, managing the shutdown of migration entry apps, and monitoring border crossings.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Charged with executing mass deportations, conducting arrests, and ensuring strict enforcement of immigration laws.
- Department of Justice (DOJ): Engages in legal actions including charging members of designated gangs and enforcing orders related to national security.
- Department of Education: Impacted through revocation of waivers that allowed diversion of federal funds to institutions, ensuring taxpayer resources are not used to support illegal immigration.
Relevance Score: 2 (Between 3-5 federal agencies are directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- President Donald J. Trump – Initiated and signed executive actions directing nationwide immigration and border security policies.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem – Oversaw policies and operations related to border enforcement, including actions taken by Border Patrol, ICE, and Customs and Border Protection (e.g., halting the CBP One app and expanding border wall construction).
- Department of Justice – Directed legal actions such as designating certain gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and prosecuting criminal activities associated with immigration.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol – Implemented directives concerning mass deportations, reducing illegal border crossings and “gotaways,” and enforcing the end of catch-and-release policies.
- Border Czar Tom Homan – Tasked with addressing the issue of “gotaways” and significantly reducing their numbers.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt – Informed the public about progress on border barrier construction and related security measures.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect executive-level officials and cabinet secretaries with broad national security and immigration enforcement responsibilities.)