While many immigration groups have had a reason for concern in reaction to incoming President-Elect Donald Trump’s many declarations to deport illegal immigrants and suspend immigration from Muslim-heavy regions, the details regarding just how he would attempt to do so have thus far been murky at best. If a new report is to be believed, however, it appears that Trump’s immigration plan may in fact be similar to a previous plan which was implemented after the 9/11 attacks.
Trump Plan to Mirror NSEERS Program
According to CNN, the Trump Administration’s plan will be similar to the National Security Entry-Exit program, known as NSEEERS, which expired in 2011. The plan, which did not completely ban immigration from primarily Islamic countries, required more intense screening for people from countries known to be inhabited by known terrorists, including Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. In some cases, the added screening would involve interrogatory interviews, fingerprinting, and monthly check-ins.
Exactly which countries will be considered “high-risk” under the Trump plan is still unclear, as representatives have claimed that the growing ISIS threat has made it a “moving target.” While a complete ban of immigrants from these high-risk countries is unlikely, officials have said that “all options are on the table.” It is also rumored that Kris Kobach, one of the main architects of the NSEERS program, is being considered for attorney general. Kobach has also played a role in Arizona’s controversial “show me your papers” law, as well as pushes to require passports or birth certificates to register to vote.
Our Cleveland immigration attorneys at Sintsirmas & Mueller Co. L.P.A. are closely following this situation and the legal consequences that could arise if a similar immigration program should be implemented in the near future. For more information on the latest changes to immigration law or to find out how our team of top-rated advocates can assist you with an immigration-related matter, we invite you to contact our office online or call us today at (888) 491-8770.
