Skip to main content
policies between January 2017 and March 2024

81 Policies

Filter
Policies by Current Status
Action on Policies by
Type of Action Affecting Trump-era Policies
Policies by Year
Clear Filters
Trump Policy Actions
Sorted by date announced
Current Status
  1. January 2021

    1. January 14, 2021

      Acting Attorney General issues a second Matter of A-B- to provide "additional guidance" on asylum

      Hearings and Adjudications AGEOIR Final/Actual Adjudication
    2. January 8, 2021

      EOIR Director issues guidance to restrict continuances

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. December 2020

    1. December 23, 2020

      EOIR and USCIS issue communicable-disease security bars to asylum and withholding eligibility

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISCBPDHSEOIR Final/Actual Rule
    2. December 18, 2020

      EOIR Director issues policy memo on fees and fee waivers

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. December 16, 2020

      New EOIR regs restrict admin closure, curtail BIA decisional authorities, and truncate briefing

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR ProposedIn LitigationEnjoined/VacatedRescinded Rule
    4. December 16, 2020

      EOIR imposes tougher procedures for asylum and withholding of removal

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    5. December 11, 2020

      EOIR and DHS issue final rule significantly restricting asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protections

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT CBPUSCISEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule
    6. December 11, 2020

      EOIR Director instructs IJs and BIA on significant asylum reg

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    7. December 10, 2020

      EOIR Director rescinds and replaces OPPMs on pro bono representation

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
    8. December 4, 2020

      EOIR Director modifies asylum processing and asylum clock, rescinds two OPPMs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. November 2020

    1. November 27, 2020

      EOIR proposes sweeping changes to rules on motions to reopen/reconsider

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIRICE Proposed Rule
    2. November 27, 2020

      EOIR proposes regs to further narrow continuances in immigration court

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Proposed Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. November 5, 2020

      AG Barr issues Matter of Negusie, ruling there is no duress exception to "persecutor bar" for asylum and withholding of removal

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT AGEOIRICEUSCIS Final/Actual Adjudication
  1. October 2020

    1. October 21, 2020

      EOIR and USCIS issue final rule expanding criminal bars to asylum and limiting review of discretionary denials of asylum

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and AdjudicationsInteriorBorder CBPICEUSCISEOIRBureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. October 9, 2020

      Reported: DOJ cancels diversity training, including for immigration judges

      Hearings and Adjudications DOJEOIR Final/ActualRescinded Agency Directive
    3. October 6, 2020

      USCIS issues guidance on TPS and eligibility for adjustment of status

      TPSImmigrant Visas USCISAG Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. September 2020

    1. September 24, 2020

      AG Barr issues Matter of A-C-A-A-, requiring BIA to review asylum grants more critically

      Hearings and Adjudications AGEOIR Final/Actual Adjudication
  1. August 2020

    1. August 20, 2020

      Trump Cabinet officials voted in 2018 White House meeting to separate migrant children

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT DHSDOJ Reported Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. July 2020

    1. July 13, 2020

      Justice Department proposes revisions to EOIR-31A, Request for Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Proposed Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. July 13, 2020

      DOJ proposes revisions to Form EOIR-31 regarding recognition of non-profit organizations

      Humanitarian EOIR Proposed Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. May 2020

    1. May 15, 2020

      COVID-19: EOIR postpones hearings for non-detained cases

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Change in Practice
  1. March 2020

    1. March 18, 2020

      COVID-19: EOIR sets immigration court practices during outbreak

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Replaced Agency Directive
    2. March 6, 2020

      ICE requests redeployment of 500 HSI agents to increase arrests and surveillance in sanctuary cities

      InteriorSanctuary Restrictions ICECBPEOIR Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. February 2020

    1. February 13, 2020

      EOIR Director modifies adjournment, call up, and case identification codes

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/ActualRescinded Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. January 2020

    1. January 17, 2020

      EOIR Director expands restrictions on immigration judges' public speaking

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIRDOJ Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. December 2019

    1. December 21, 2019

      Reported: ICE asking immigration courts to reopen DACA recipients' removal cases

      InteriorDACA ICEEOIR Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. December 20, 2019

      USCIS issues guidance to clarify the effect of travel by TPS beneficiaries with final orders

      TPSImmigrant Visas USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. December 6, 2019

      Reported: EOIR expands use of "tent courts" along Southern Border

      HumanitarianAsylum, Withholding and CATBorderHearings and Adjudications USCISEOIRCBPICE Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. November 2019

    1. November 22, 2019

      EOIR General Counsel issues guidance on applying Asylum Eligibility and Procedural Modifications Rule to certain asylum seekers impacted by metering

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. November 21, 2019

      EOIR reaffirms amici cannot engage in legal advocacy before IJs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. November 19, 2019

      EOIR memorializes policy regarding joint rule on the implementation of Asylum Cooperative Agreements

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderHearings and Adjudications USCISEOIRICE Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    4. November 15, 2019

      EOIR issues guidance regarding child advocates in UAC hearings

      MinorsHearings and Adjudications EOIRORRICE Final/Actual Agency Directive
    5. November 6, 2019

      DHS begins implementing the Humanitarian Asylum Review Program

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderHearings and Adjudications USCISCBPEOIR Final/ActualIn Litigation Change in Practice
  1. October 2019

    1. October 7, 2019

      DHS begins implementing the Prompt Asylum Claim Review program

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderDetentionHearings and Adjudications CBPUSCISEOIR Final/ActualIn Litigation Change in Practice
    2. October 1, 2019

      EOIR Director modifies BIA case processing, creates internal deadlines

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. September 2019

    1. September 30, 2019

      USCIS issues policy guidance for Matter of L-E-A-

      Asylum, Withholding and CATRefugees USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. September 26, 2019

      EOIR adds new courts' information to Immigration Court Practice Manual

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Replaced Data and Reports

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. September 25, 2019

      United States and Honduras sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT CBPUSCISDOJ Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    4. September 20, 2019

      United States and El Salvador sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT DOJUSCISCBP Final/ActualIn LitigationRescinded Agency Directive
  1. July 2019

    1. July 29, 2019

      AG decides Matter of L-E-A-, narrowing family-based PSGs

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT EOIRICEAGUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Adjudication
    2. July 26, 2019

      United States and Guatemala sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder DOJCBPUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    3. December 17, 2020

      DHS and DOJ issue joint third country asylum final rule

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder ICEEOIRUSCISCBP Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    4. July 15, 2019

      EOIR issues guidelines regarding DHS/DOJ third country interim final rule

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT ICEEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationRescinded Agency Directive
    5. July 3, 2019

      EOIR experiments with providing pre-recorded rights advisals at master calendar hearings

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR ReportedRescinded Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. May 2019

    1. May 23, 2019

      POTUS issues memo ordering strict enforcement of sponsor-reimbursement laws

      Humanitarian DOJDHSHHSDOS Final/Actual Presidential Orders
  1. April 2019

    1. April 29, 2019

      President Trump issues memo proposing to tighten asylum rules

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder EOIRUSCISCBPAG Proposed Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. November 2018

    1. November 19, 2018

      EOIR Director orders IJs to adjudicate asylum claims within 180 days

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT ICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. November 13, 2018

      EOIR issues guidance on denying asylum to southern border EWIs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. November 9, 2018

      DOJ and DHS issue interim final rule restricting access to asylum for individuals who enter outside recognized POEs

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder USCISCBPICEDHSEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule
    4. November 9, 2018

      POTUS issues Proclamation 9822 suspending entry across southern border outside ports of entry to bar asylum access

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCISICEEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    5. November 8, 2018

      EOIR Director issues guidance on new regs implementing the "proclamation-based asylum bar"

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. September 2018

    1. September 16, 2018

      Report that ICE issues NTAs with incorrect hearing dates

      InteriorHearings and Adjudications ICEEOIR ReportedIn Litigation Change in Practice
  1. July 2018

    1. July 20, 2018

      DOJ issues FY18 solicitation for Byrne JAG grants with new "conditions"

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. July 11, 2018

      ICE issues guidance for OPLA attorneys on litigating asylum claims after Matter of A-B-

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICEEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive
    3. July 10, 2018

      DHS issues a four-step process for family reunification to comply with court order

      EnforcementHearings and Adjudications AGICEORR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. June 2018

    1. June 28, 2018

      New Jersey IJs issue notices on asylum, withholding, and CAT relief applicants on Matter of A-B-

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT EOIRICE Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive
    2. June 28, 2018

      DOJ issues new immigration-related conditions for FY 2018 Byrne/JAG grants

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJICEState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. June 21, 2018

      DOJ requests relief from Flores settlement in order to detain children in family facilities

      Hearings and Adjudications DOJ In Litigation Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    4. June 20, 2018

      POTUS issues EO 13841, directing families to be detained together and seeking modification of Flores settlement.

      DetentionBorderMinors CBPICEORRDODEOIR Final/Actual Presidential Orders
  1. May 2018

    1. May 17, 2018

      AG Sessions issues Matter of Castro-Tum, restricting administrative closure

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIRAGUSCISICE Final/Actual Adjudication
  1. April 2018

    1. April 27, 2018

      CBP's metering policy is confirmed through litigation

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCISEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
    2. April 13, 2018

      DOJ demands evidence of compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373 from three jurisdictions

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency DirectiveForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. April 6, 2018

      POTUS issues memorandum ending "catch and release" at the border

      Border CBPICEUSCISORRAG Final/Actual Presidential Orders
    4. April 6, 2018

      DOJ announces "zero tolerance" policy on Southwest border

      Border CBPAG Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. March 2018

    1. March 26, 2018

      Commerce Department announces addition of citizenship question to 2020 Census

      Citizenship DOJOther In LitigationEnjoined/VacatedRescinded Change in PracticeData and Reports

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. March 7, 2018

      AG Sessions issues Matter of A-B-, restricting asylum claims based on domestic or gang violence

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications EOIRAGICEUSCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Adjudication
    3. Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. February 2018

    1. February 8, 2018

      ICE and CBP reportedly separating family members

      Border CBPAG Reported Change in Practice
  1. January 2018

    1. January 24, 2018

      DOJ demands documents from cities regarding information sharing with DHS and DOJ

      Interior AG Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection
  1. December 2017

    1. Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. December 20, 2017

      EOIR cuts back on child-friendly practices in immigration court

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. November 2017

    1. November 15, 2017

      DOJ warns 29 jurisdictions about losing Byrne JAG funds for non-compliance with § 1373

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive
  1. October 2017

    1. October 24, 2017

      POTUS issues EO 13815, announcing resumption of refugee admissions with new extreme vetting procedures

      Refugees Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCISDOJ Final/Actual Presidential Orders
    2. October 12, 2017

      DOJ finds five jurisdictions not in compliance with § 1373, gives time to respond

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. July 2017

    1. July 25, 2017

      DOJ issues new conditions for FY 2017 Byrne JAG grants to "sanctuary" jurisdictions

      Sanctuary Restrictions AGICEState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. May 2017

    1. May 22, 2017

      AG Sessions implements Executive Order banning sanctuary city funding

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJICEState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. April 2017

    1. April 21, 2017

      DOJ conditions grant funds on compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJICEState & Local Entities Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. April 5, 2017

      EOIR directs NGO to enter formal appearances in immigration court cases

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. March 2017

    1. March 27, 2017

      AG Sessions warns sanctuary jurisdictions to certify compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373 or lose DOJ grants

      Sanctuary RestrictionsInterior DOJICEState & Local Entities Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. March 6, 2017

      President issues memo implementing heightened vetting of visa applications and reporting requirements

      RefugeesNon-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular AffairsBureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationORRUSCISDHSDOJ Final/Actual Presidential Orders
  1. January 2017

    1. January 25, 2017

      POTUS issues EO 13768, broadly expanding enforcement priorities and mandating enhancements to interior enforcement

      DetentionInteriorSanctuary Restrictions AGDOSICE Final/ActualIn Litigation Presidential Orders