Border Security EO (E.O. 13767)

Summary

Commands federal agencies to use all legal means to secure the southern border, build a wall, and quickly remove people who are in the country illegally.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. southern border is not secure, which allows illegal immigration and criminal activity that threatens national security and public safety. This order directs the construction of a border wall, increases detention facilities, and expands enforcement to control the border and remove undocumented people.

What does this order do?

Immediate construction of a southern border wall

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately plan, design, and construct a physical wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Ends 'catch and release' policy

Requires the detention of people caught for immigration violations until their removal, ending the practice of releasing them into the U.S. shortly after capture.

Hires 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents

Orders the hiring of 5,000 more Border Patrol agents to increase the law enforcement presence on the southern border.

Expands detention facilities

Orders the immediate construction or contracting of new facilities to hold people at or near the border with Mexico.

Empowers state and local police to act as immigration officers

Allows agreements that let state and local law enforcement perform the duties of immigration officers, such as catching and holding undocumented people.

Tightens asylum and parole rules

Directs a review to end the claimed misuse of asylum and parole, ensuring they are used only case-by-case for humanitarian reasons or public benefit.

Requires public data on apprehensions

Orders the Secretary of Homeland Security to publish monthly data on people caught at or near the southern border in a way that is easy for the public to understand.

Who does this affect?

Immigrants and asylum seekers at the U.S. southern border
Federal immigration enforcement agencies
Communities in border states

What is the real world impact?

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Fulfills a key campaign promise

The construction of a wall on the southern border was a central promise of the President's campaign, aimed at showing a tough stance on immigration.

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Questions about cost and effectiveness

Critics question the great cost of building and keeping up a wall across the entire southern border and whether it is the best way to stop illegal immigration.

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Impact on asylum seekers and families

The order's focus on quick detention and removal could be seen as putting enforcement ahead of human concerns for people seeking asylum and for families.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on January 25, 2017, with several actions and reports required within 30 to 180 days.

Report on aid to Mexico

Within 60 days, the Secretary of State must give the President a report on all federal aid provided to Mexico over the past five years.

Progress reports to the President

The Secretary of Homeland Security must report on progress within 90 days, and the Attorney General must report within 180 days.

Comprehensive border security study

Within 180 days, the Secretary of Homeland Security must complete a full study of the security of the southern border.