Trump’s immigration crackdown sparks fear amid Haiti’s deepening crisis
Just a few hours after being sworn in as American President, Donald Trump signed a series of decrees targeting immigration, a key theme of his program. His plans to restrict asylum rights and crackdown on illegal immigration has many worried, especially in Haiti where a deepening crisis has forced many to flee.
On his first day back in office Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border with Mexico "to repel the disastrous invasion of our country," saying he would deploy US troops to tackle illegal immigration.
His administration said it would reinstate a "Remain in Mexico" policy that prevailed under Trump's first presidency, under which people who apply to enter the United States from Mexico must remain there until their application has been decided.
Another of Trump’s moves was to halt the "Humanitarian Parole" program. Under the Joe Biden administration, it was specifically designed for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela fleeing hardship or persecution in their countries.
Once approved, migrants were allowed to stay in the country for up to two years, get a work permit and be shielded from deportation.
The programme has been credited with helping to reduce the number of unlawful crossings by migrants from those countries particularly at the US-Mexico border.
Trump vows to act with 'historic speed and strength' via executive orders
Thousands in limbo
(With newswires)
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