101st Anniversary of The United States Border Patrol
5/27/2025
Action Summary
- Honoring the USBP: Proclaims the 101st Anniversary of the United States Border Patrol to honor its legacy and the sacrifices of agents, including those who have died in the line of duty.
- Critique of Prior Administration: Highlights past policies that allegedly allowed unvetted illegal aliens, including violent criminals and terrorists, to enter the country, depleting resources and morale.
- National Emergency Declaration: Declared a National Emergency at the southern border, empowering the Department of Defense to support the federal response.
- Policy Reinstatements and Actions:
- Resumed border wall construction.
- Reinstated the Remain in Mexico policy.
- Halted catch-and-release practices and ended asylum for illegal border crossers.
- Deployed thousands of American soldiers and conducted the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
- Counterterrorism Measures: Designated transnational criminal organizations (e.g., Tren de Aragua and MS-13) as foreign terrorist organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- Results within the First 100 Days: Reported a 95% drop in daily border encounters, a 99.99% decline in migrant crossings, a historical low in monthly encounters, a 54% decrease in fentanyl traffic, and the arrest of over 150,000 individuals with deportation of more than 135,000 illegal aliens.
- Commitment to USBP Support: Pledges ongoing empowerment and resource allocation to the USBP to maintain U.S. border security and uphold the rule of law.
- Formal Proclamation: Declares May 28, 2025, as a day of celebration for the 101st Anniversary of the United States Border Patrol.
Risks & Considerations
- The proclamation and associated actions emphasize a strong stance on border security and immigration control, which could impact Vanderbilt University’s international student population and recruitment efforts. The heightened focus on deportation and border enforcement may create an environment of uncertainty and fear among international students and scholars.
- Vanderbilt’s reliance on federal education funds and its diverse student body, including 10% of graduate students from abroad, could be affected by stricter immigration policies and enforcement. This may lead to challenges in maintaining a diverse and inclusive academic community.
- The designation of certain organizations as foreign terrorist organizations could lead to increased scrutiny and potential legal implications for students and faculty involved in research or collaborations with entities in affected regions.
- There is a risk that the university’s reputation and relationships with international partners could be impacted by the administration’s aggressive immigration policies, potentially affecting research collaborations and global engagement initiatives.
Impacted Programs
- Office of International Student and Scholar Services may need to enhance support services for international students and scholars, providing guidance on navigating the changing immigration landscape and addressing concerns related to safety and legal status.
- Vanderbilt’s Global Education Office might need to reassess study abroad programs and international partnerships to ensure compliance with new regulations and to mitigate potential risks associated with travel and collaboration.
- The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see increased demand for research on the impacts of immigration policies on education and community dynamics, presenting opportunities for policy analysis and advocacy.
- Vanderbilt Law School may experience heightened interest in immigration law and policy, potentially leading to expanded course offerings and research initiatives in this area.
Financial Impact
- The university’s financial aid strategies may need to be adjusted to accommodate potential changes in the demographics of the student body, particularly if international student enrollment is affected by stricter immigration policies.
- Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships to offset potential reductions in federal support for programs that rely on international collaboration and diversity.
- There could be increased opportunities for securing grants and funding for research on immigration policy, border security, and their societal impacts, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and think tanks.
- The university may need to invest in additional resources and support services to address the needs and concerns of international students and scholars, potentially impacting budget allocations and priorities.
Relevance Score: 4 (The proclamation presents high risks involving major transformations in immigration policies that could significantly impact the university’s international community and funding strategies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in immigration policies and border security measures to assess their impact on international students and faculty. This will help the university adapt its recruitment and support strategies for affected individuals.
- The Vanderbilt Law School could explore opportunities to engage in legal research and advocacy related to immigration law and policy changes. This could include providing legal support to affected communities and contributing to public discourse on immigration issues.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies should consider expanding its research on the socio-political impacts of border security policies in Latin America. This research can inform policy recommendations and enhance the university’s role as a thought leader in international relations.
- The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy can leverage its platform to facilitate discussions and events focused on the implications of border security policies on national unity and democratic values.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to develop educational programs and workshops on immigration policy and its effects on communities. These programs can enhance public understanding and foster informed dialogue on the topic.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on border security by collaborating with government agencies and NGOs to conduct research on the effectiveness and humanitarian impact of these policies. This collaboration can lead to new funding opportunities and partnerships.
- The emphasis on border security offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science to conduct research on the political and social implications of these policies. Sharing these findings with policymakers and the public can enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in political science.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to processes or procedures related to immigration and international relations.)
Timeline for Implementation
- May 28, 2025 – The day designated for celebrating the 101st Anniversary of the United States Border Patrol.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- United States Border Patrol (USBP): This proclamation directly honors the USBP for over a century of service and pledges continued support for its operational mission in safeguarding national borders.
- Department of Defense (DoD): The proclamation mentions the activation of additional authority under the national emergency to support border security operations, thereby impacting the DoD’s role in the crisis.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): As the parent agency overseeing the USBP and other border and immigration enforcement functions, DHS is indirectly impacted by the policies and measures celebrated and reinforced in this proclamation.
Relevance Score: 2 (Three government organizations are directly or indirectly impacted by this proclamation.)
Responsible Officials
- Department of Defense – Empowered by the national emergency declaration to support and execute the Administration’s border security initiatives (including deployment of American soldiers and related defense measures).
- United States Border Patrol (USBP) – Celebrated in this proclamation and expected to continue their role in safeguarding the country under the enhanced policies and resources provided by the Administration.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives issued at the highest level, involving Cabinet officials and major national security policy implementations.)