Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans

Background

Issued in February 2021, President Biden's executive order 'Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans' had a profound impact on U.S. immigration policy. It spearheaded efforts to streamline the naturalization process, aiming to make it more accessible and equitable. This included Strategic Directives Tasking agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to comprehensively review and eliminate unnecessary barriers that impeded the effective processing of naturalization applications. Adjustments to the processing of N-400 applications, reduction in requisite processing timelines, and the reconsideration of application fees were among these policy shifts that aimed to facilitate an easier pathway to citizenship.

The changes also extended to the removal of the 'public charge' rule's more stringent interpretations that had been heightened under the Trump administration. This meant refocusing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) resources to alleviate confusion and fear among immigrant communities, potentially increasing the number of those eligible for public benefits without the fear of jeopardizing their immigration status. The order emphasized a humane and fair approach to immigration enforcement, encouraging the discontinuation of practices that unduly penalized immigrants, thereby reinforcing trust in the legal immigration system and bolstering participation among immigrant populations.

Furthermore, Biden's policy sought to promote integration and civic engagement by encouraging collaboration across federal, state, and local governments to develop welcoming strategies for immigrants. The establishment of an Interagency Working Group on Promoting Naturalization aimed to create a unified federal strategy to support immigrant integration and participation in American civic life. By revoking prior administrative directives that prevented immigrants from accessing support networks and essential services, the order restored a more inclusive interpretation of the U.S.'s identity as a nation of immigrants.

Reason for Revocation

President Trump's decision to revoke the order on January 20, 2025, was emblematic of a broader ideological shift in U.S. immigration policy under his administration. The revocation signaled a return to a policy framework that prioritizes strict immigration controls and national security concerns over the integration and naturalization of immigrants. Trump's administrative philosophy, informed by a belief in the need for a strong sovereign control over national borders, found its expression in limiting the pathways to citizenship and reducing immigrant access to public services perceived as a drain on public resources.

Reintroducing stricter interpretations of the 'public charge' rule, for example, aligns with the administration’s emphasis on self-sufficiency and reduced dependency on social welfare. Trump's policy perspective posits that such measures are necessary to ensure that immigrants contribute positively to society without burdening existing public services, thereby reflecting a belief system that views immigration through the lens of economic gain and security rather than democratic inclusion and cultural enrichment.

The revocation was also driven by a broader effort to consolidate political power by appealing to voter bases concerned with immigration's impacts on labor markets and national identity. Trump's administration frequently emphasized protecting American jobs and resources, positioning immigrants as competition in an already strained economic landscape. This underscores a desire to recalibrate the U.S.'s immigration system towards a merit-based framework, likely intended to attract highly skilled individuals while limiting opportunities for those perceived as economically burdensome.

In essence, the rescindment reflects an ideological pivot towards policies that reassert stringent immigration controls, departing from the previous administration’s emphasis on integration and open participation of immigrants within American society. These policy changes underscore a commitment to redefining the immigration narrative from that of cultural enrichment to one predominantly concerned with economic pragmatism and national security.

Winners

The revocation stands to benefit sectors that have historically lobbied for reduced immigration due to the perception that foreign labor undercuts domestic wages. Industries that predominantly hire American workers, such as manufacturing and certain service sectors, may perceive this policy shift as a chance to tighten labor markets, potentially resulting in upward wage pressures for native-born workers. Companies that have generally benefited from tightened immigration controls, such as those within domestic staffing or security sectors, might find their operations and hiring landscapes reinforced by restrictions on immigration volumes.

Furthermore, political constituencies that view immigration as a threat to national identity and resource allocation may find this policy pivot advantageous. The alignment with a narrative that emphasizes ‘America First’ policies and the securitization of national resources could solidify support from voter bases in regions that have experienced significant demographic changes due to immigration. These demographics often resonate with messages that prioritize national sovereignty and resource conservation, thus benefiting politically from Trump's decision to reverse inclusive immigration policies.

Strategically, defense and security sectors that advocate for rigid national border control and decreased immigration might also perceive advancements in their agendas. The reinforcement of policies emphasizing national security through reduced immigration flows likely aligns with their strategic objectives. Such sectors may interpret the revocation as an endorsement of their longstanding emphasis on security risks associated with increased immigration levels.

Losers

Immigrants and their families are the most direct groups adversely impacted by the revocation of the executive order. The rescindment reinstates barriers to naturalization and access to public benefits essential for integration into American society. This disproportionately affects lower-income immigrant families and refugees reliant on assistance programs, who may now find themselves in precarious positions with fewer resources and pathways to self-sufficiency and societal inclusion.

Community organizations and NGOs focused on immigrant rights and support may also experience setbacks. These groups, which have worked tirelessly to increase access to citizenship and advocate for immigrant communities, may find their efforts hindered by a more restrictive policy environment. The reversal of policies promoting naturalization and integration hinders their mission to support immigrants in attaining full participation in U.S. civic life, thus undermining social cohesion efforts.

The broader U.S. economy could arguably face long-term negative implications due to the reduction in immigrant labor and entrepreneurial contributions. Restricting pathways for immigrants who historically play pivotal roles in numerous sectors—ranging from technology and healthcare to agriculture and services—risks stalling economic growth and innovation. These industries benefit from the diverse skill sets and perspectives that immigrants bring, and narrowing the pipeline could result in diminished economic dynamism and an erosion of U.S. competitive advantage on the global stage.