The Trump administration has granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials new powers to swiftly deport migrants who were temporarily admitted under programs created during the Biden administration. According to an internal memo, these measures aim to tighten immigration control by extending authority previously limited to border crossings to apply throughout the country.

Two key Biden-era programs are at the center of these actions: the CBP One app, which allowed migrants to schedule appointments for legal entry, and an initiative targeting individuals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti that provided temporary status under the “parole” designation. Although these programs were designed to offer legal pathways and reduce irregular crossings, they have faced strong criticism from Republicans, who argue that they promote illegal immigration under the guise of legality.

The memo also highlights that these new measures could impact Afghan and Ukrainian migrants admitted through separate humanitarian programs. Additionally, ICE agents have been instructed to prioritize the deportation of individuals who have been in the U.S. for over a year without filing for asylum. Officials can also terminate ongoing formal immigration cases and use expedited deportation, bypassing immigration courts entirely.

The decision to dismantle these programs reflects former President Trump’s strategy to utilize all available tools to curb migration, targeting not only those who entered the country unlawfully but also individuals who used legal channels. Critics argue that these policies create uncertainty and fear among migrant communities, impacting those who believed they were protected under a legal framework.

These actions have prompted organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to file lawsuits challenging the expanded deportation powers, claiming they violate federal law. Meanwhile, the administration is moving forward with the phased termination of these programs, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy.