Donald Trump’s immigration overhaul: 6 key developments for the US and beyond

President Donald Trump’s initial week in office has brought sweeping changes to US immigration policies. The promises included arrests and ‘mass deportations,’ which paved the way for a crackdown on undocumented migrants in the United States. Here are six major developments that took place and their potential implications:

Trump's administration has accelerated deportations by deploying military aircraft to remove over 5,000 detained migrants in key border areas. Expedited removals, once limited to areas near the US border, now apply nationwide to undocumented migrants who cannot prove they have lived in the country for over two years.

The deployment of 1,500 additional active-duty troops to the southern border—bringing the total to 4,000—marks a significant escalation. Troops are tasked with assisting in surveillance, building barriers, and supporting border patrol efforts to curb illegal crossings.

The administration has suspended the right of undocumented migrants to seek asylum at the US border. The refugee resettlement program has also been halted, following a record intake of over 100,000 refugees under the Biden administration in 2024. This move severely limits legal pathways for humanitarian immigration.

More than 30,000 migrants are stuck in Mexico after the abrupt removal of the CBP One app, which is used to schedule border visits. Advocacy organisations are suing because there is no alternative system in place, leaving thousands of people in a state of uncertainty.

Trump has brought back the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. Previously criticised for exposing migrants to unsafe conditions, this policy will now impact thousands of individuals awaiting hearings.

In response to Trump’s deportation orders, Mexico has begun constructing large shelters in border cities and launched the "Mexico Embraces You" program to reintegrate deportees. However, concerns persist about the region’s ability to manage the anticipated influx, especially for those fleeing violence or instability.Trump’s actions have reignited debates on immigration policy, raising questions about their long-term impact on humanitarian rights and border security. While the administration defends these measures as steps toward stronger enforcement, critics warn of the social and legal consequences for migrants and their families.