On Jan. 20 President-elect Donald Trump is set to prioritize immigration and border security, signaling a return to past policies that sparked both fervent support and heated controversy.

Trump's inauguration will mark the beginning of a series of executive actions focused on reinstating immigration protocols, initiating mass deportations, and challenging birthright citizenship, though these plans may face substantial obstacles, as the Washington Examiner reports.

As soon as Trump takes office, his administration aims to address immigration issues through several decisive measures. Key among them is the revival of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, implemented initially under the Migrant Protection Protocols in 2019.

This policy mandates that asylum-seekers remain in Mexico while awaiting U.S. immigration court proceedings. Although revoked by President Biden in January 2021, reinstating this policy now involves complex negotiations with Mexican authorities.

Focus on Mass Deportations and Detention Space

In an ambitious move, Trump intends to launch what he has described as the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting 1.4 million individuals with existing deportation orders and roughly 700,000 with criminal backgrounds.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been preparing for weeks to execute these operations. However, a significant hurdle is the limited detention capacity, which currently stands at 41,000 beds. Plans are underway to increase this capacity to 50,000 in the coming months.

Additionally, Trump's plans involve a significant shift in terminology, as he aims to revert to the use of "illegal alien," departing from the previously adopted language guidelines under the Biden administration.

Border Wall Construction in National Spotlight

Another major aspect of Trump's immigration strategy includes resuming the construction of the border wall, which stands at 740 miles across the U.S.-Mexico border. He plans to leverage the National Emergency Act to secure funding for this endeavor. The previous halt in construction left $15 billion worth of materials unused, a point that Trump intends to address quickly post-inauguration.

Furthermore, Trump's vision includes the termination of the CBP One app. This app, which began in 2023, streamlines the process for immigrants by allowing them to apply for admission or schedule entry into the U.S. Its removal may disrupt current U.S. efforts to effectively manage migration, particularly from countries like Venezuela.

Addressing Birthright Citizenship and Potential Legal Battles

A controversial component of Trump’s plan is challenging the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to those born on U.S. soil.

This attempt to alter birthright citizenship via executive action may face formidable legal and constitutional pushback, similar to the resistance encountered during his initial attempt in 2018.

In confronting challenges related to non-cooperative countries refusing to accept their nationals back, Trump proposes possible sanctions. These could include halting visa issuance or leveraging facilities like Guantanamo Bay to house deportees temporarily.

Quotes Highlighting Different Perspectives

Trump has been vocal about his intentions, declaring, "On Day One of my new administration … I will restore Remain in Mexico." Echoing the urgency, Stephen Miller, Trump's senior adviser, stated, “He will immediately sign executive orders sealing the border shut."

Yet, critics warn of potential repercussions. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, cautioned that "termination of the program could threaten that deal," potentially hampering U.S. capabilities to handle migration flows.

A source familiar with the detention facilities emphasized the critical role of detention in deportation efforts, expressing confidence that bed capacity could exceed 50,000 shortly. Meanwhile, concerns loom over the implications of sanctions on global tourism and relations.

Looking Forward: Challenges and Debates Await

As Trump prepares to embark on this path, his administration will likely encounter logistical constraints and intense legal scrutiny. These initiatives, embedding a sweeping shift in immigration policy, are poised to ignite passionate debates across the nation and beyond.

While the planned actions embolden some supporters with hopes of stricter immigration control, opponents challenge the moral and legal grounds of these planned changes.

As the nation watches, Trump's immigration blueprint will unfold, setting the stage for pivotal conversations and potential court battles in the years to come.