This is not an article about the recent Trump orders concerning travel bans. This is a discussion on the orders signed by President Trump and the memorandums issued on February 21, 2017 by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelley that set out a new direction on agency policies intended to beef up immigration enforcement, deport more people, and prevent asylum seekers. The issues do concern immigration law (which is not discussed here) but the policies also greatly impact criminal case procedure. Many of my clients are undocumented and they currently live in great fear over the new policies and so now is a good time to lay it all out so that you or someone you know is informed about what it all means.
How will Donald Trump presidency effect federal justice system?
While federal laws do not change on a rapid basis, especially these days with the never ending posturing and ineptness of the branch, executive "policy" can change very quickly. Policy differs from law in that it is set within the administration itself and not by Congress. For example, Congress may outlaw marijuana possession and cultivation but the Executive Branch (President) can refuse to enforce the law.
