What to expect from Trump’s immigration policies in 2025

The importance of good information

In uncertain times, false information spreads quickly. This can make people feel scared and confused. It is important to get facts from trusted sources, not rumors or social media. Also, think before you share information you are not certain about.

What you can do now

Here are steps you can take to prepare for the new administration:

1. Talk to an immigration lawyer: Find out your options for staying in the U.S.
2. Know your rights: Learn what to do if federal immigration officers or local law enforcement stop you.
3. Apply for lawful status: If you are eligible, file applications now for green cards, work permits, or other programs. However, if you are fully undocumented and not already in the DHS system, consult a lawyer first to understand the potential risks and benefits before applying.
4. Plan for emergencies: Decide who will care for your children or manage your money if something happens.
5. Save important documents: Collect and safely store papers like birth certificates, passports, government-issued ID cards, and immigration records. If you have lived in the U.S. for more than 2 years, keep documents that prove your residence.
6. Consider travel plans: If you need to travel internationally, consider returning to the U.S. before January 20, 2025. After this date, changes to immigration policies may increase risks for re-entry, depending on your immigration status or country of travel.
7. Follow all laws: Any record of unlawful behavior may increase the risk of deportation.
8. Find support: Stress and fear can be a lot to handle. Take care of your mental health and seek help if needed.
9. Pursue citizenship: If you are a Green Card holder now is the time to consider applying to become a citizen.
10. Save our 2025 Immigration Guide: this will be a place to find regular updates.

Understanding what will happen

We do not know for sure what will happen, but the Trump administration has shared some of its plans through public statements. Also, policies from his first term give us an idea of what might happen next.

• Some changes are quick: The president can make certain decisions without Congress, such as changing enforcement priorities or trying to end humanitarian and immigration programs.
• Some changes take time: Congress must vote to change certain federal laws, which can take months or years. Congress also controls funding, deciding how much money the administration gets to carry out its plans.
• Lawsuits may slow changes: Many proposed policies could face legal challenges, especially those that are likely to impact constitutional rights or existing laws.

The information on this page is based on publicly shared plans and statements but is not certain. Nothing is official until after Trump takes office on January 20, 2025, and policies are formally announced or implemented. We will provide regular updates at: usahello.org/safety

What is likely to be announced on day one

These are changes that the Trump administration has shared it will prioritize immediately. They are expected to be announced as soon as Trump takes office and can happen quickly through executive orders.

Immigration raids and mass deportations

The Trump administration has promised to “deport millions of people” in 2025. They have stated that immigration raids will target people with criminal records or deportation orders first. They then plan to expand to other immigrants without current lawful status. This could include people who entered the U.S. legally but lost their status.

These raids will be led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and can take place at work, at home, or in public spaces. Logistical challenges like detention capacity and court backlogs may affect how quickly these goals take place.

In practice, it is not possible to tell someone’s immigration status or criminal history by looking at them. This means that all people who look like they could be an immigrant could also be at risk during immigration raids.

• What you can do: Know your rights if immigration officers stop you and create an emergency plan for your family. Always carry identification and have important documents ready and in a safe place. Learn what to do in a workplace raid and what your employer should know.

Humanitarian Parole programs

If you came to the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program your status may be at risk of ending quickly under new policies. The administration might not take away parole status but could stop renewals and new applications.

• What you can do: Talk to a lawyer about your options to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or other legal pathways. Avoid international travel until you speak with a lawyer.

Asylum or seeking asylum

If you are seeking asylum, new restrictions could make it harder to apply for protection in the United States. You may face stricter criteria. You could be turned away at a U.S. port of entry or have to wait in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) policy while your case is processed.

These changes could lead to separating families or being returned to harm. The right to seek asylum is protected by U.S. and international law, but new policies may make it harder to get asylum and cause fear or confusion.

• What you can do: If you are considering traveling to the U.S. border or already have a pending asylum case, speak with a lawyer. Keep all documents for your case safe and organized. Avoid making decisions based on rumors, and stay informed about changes that may affect you.

CBP One App

If you are using the CBP One App to schedule an entry appointment at the southern border, this program may be discontinued quickly. Pending appointments may be canceled, and the process for seeking asylum may change entirely.

• What you can do: Check for updates on the app, explore other legal pathways for seeking asylum, and talk to a trusted lawyer to understand your options.

Refugee and Muslim Ban

During his first term, Trump banned travel to the U.S. for many refugees and people from a number of majority Muslim countries. He has promised to expand these restrictions to even more people when he takes office.

Legal challenges may slow the Trump administration’s travel bans, but you could still face difficulties re-entering the U.S. at ports of entry.

• What you can do: Avoid unnecessary international travel, ensure your visa and passport are up to date, and monitor updates about travel policies that could affect you or your family. Talk to a lawyer before traveling outside the U.S.

What is likely to happen quickly

These changes may take weeks or months to put in place because they need some planning, but they are still a priority.

DACA

If you are a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, the program may end or stop accepting renewals. A new administration could end efforts to defend DACA, speeding up its termination. Losing DACA could impact your work authorization and protection from deportation.

• What you can do: Renew your DACA as soon as possible if you are eligible. Talk with a lawyer about your options for transitioning to another legal status.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

If you have TPS, the new administration may decide not to renew protections for your country when your current status expires. This means you would lose your work authorization and protection from deportation once the expiration date passes.

• What you can do: Renew your TPS as soon as possible if you are eligible, and consult with a lawyer to explore other legal options for staying in the U.S. Make sure you know the expiration date of your current TPS and what steps to take before then.

Immigrant & family detention

The administration has shared they plan to expand the number of detention centers and reopen family detention facilities to imprison more people while their cases are processed. Some people in detention can be deported immediately, while others must go through more screening or a court process. Not everyone in detention will be deported, but it is unclear how long individuals or families might be held.

• What you can do: Know what to expect in detention and prepare an emergency plan for your family, including gathering important documents and contacts.

Refugee admissions

Fewer refugees may be allowed to enter the U.S. The refugee program could be suspended or completely stopped, particularly for refugees from Muslim-majority countries. Trump may give state and local governments more authority to decide whether refugees can be resettled in their communities, as he did during his previous term.

• What you can do: If you have refugee family members who may relocate, check your state and local government’s stance on refugees and immigrants. Be prepared for potential challenges, such as delays or restrictions, and talk to your local resettlement agency.

What is likely to happen over time

Some policies may take months or longer to happen. These changes have been discussed less publicly and face challenges, like new regulations or laws.

• Family immigration: Limits may be placed on visas for family members, making reunification harder.
• Public charge rules: Stricter rules may return for immigrants using public benefits, making it harder to apply for legal status or admission into the United States.
• Immigration processing delays: Applications may face slower processing, stricter requirements, and higher fees.
• Diversity Visa lottery: The Trump administration could seek to end or make it harder to access the program granting Green Cards through a lottery system.

What you can do: Seek legal advice about how these changes may impact you or your family, and consider filing related applications, like family-based visas, as soon as possible. Stay updated with usahello.org/safety.

What is more likely to remain the same

Some policies are protected by federal laws or the Constitution, making quick changes unlikely. Congress or courts would need to act before these protections could be modified.

• Birthright citizenship: While Trump has pledged to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented parents, this is protected by the Constitution. Any changes would face major legal challenges and take time to succeed.
• Current asylee and refugee status: If you already have asylum or refugee status, your protections are unlikely to change. However, delays and stricter scrutiny may still impact family reunification or related applications.

You are not alone

Advocates and lawyers are working hard to protect immigrant communities. Support is available if you feel worried or overwhelmed.

This content was created in partnership with Refugee Council USA.