Lily Cole
Editor
President Donald Trump signed dozens of executive orders from ending birthright citizenship to only recognizing two genders. The Trump White House | Wikimedia Commons
Not even a week into his second term as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump began signing a myriad of executive orders, almost fully dismantling much that former President Joe Biden had done before him.
Trump signed orders to boost border security, label drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, limit birthright citizenship, freeze new regulations, and create a task force to shrink the federal government. He also reversed many of Biden’s orders, including ones regarding climate change as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Executive orders are something the president can write and that Congress cannot simply overturn. They don’t have to be approved, either. However, Federal courts can block some executive orders while they begin to undergo review. No president can issue an order that contradicts or violates the Constitution, federal laws, or Americans’ fundamental rights, according to the Campaign Legal Center, on executive orders.
WCC’s President Rose Bellanca issued a statement on Jan. 28 regarding the executive orders. The email addressed possible changes under the new administration and stated that WCC would be monitoring the progress.
Here are some that could affect you:
Ending of DEI and defining gender
Trump signed an executive action defining gender as strictly male and female, requiring government agencies to reflect this in documents such as passports and visas.
Another action would end federal agencies’ diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including environmental justice and diversity training.
Advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), more specifically, the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program, say this could limit the opportunities and rights of students and people from diverse backgrounds.
Federal funding pause
After a memo about a federal funding pause caused nationwide confusion, Trump’s budget office rescinded the memo.
Officials said a pause was needed to determine whether spending matched Trump’s executive orders on climate change and diversity programs, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
Despite the uncertainty, it’s important to note that Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other grants awarded for federal student aid are still accessible to students, providing relief amid potential policy changes.
The Associated Press reports that the memo from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget that was rescinded states that “any program that provides direct benefits to individuals is not subject to the pause,” such as “funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs.”
However, if federal funding for student aid freezes, it could affect student loans, research grants, and other educational programs, potentially causing students to face financial challenges and limiting their access to higher education.
Gender affirming care
Another order signed by Trump tries to eliminate gender transitions for people under 19, which advocacy groups such as the Human Rights Campaign say could deny transgender people access to necessary medical care and support.
The order says the U.S. government won’t fund or support any gender-affirming care like puberty blockers, hormones, or surgeries for minors.
It calls these treatments “chemical and surgical mutilation” and claims doctors are “maiming and sterilizing” children under false pretenses.
However, the World Health Organization says gender-affirming care is a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions “designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity” when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Immigration
Trump signed executive orders making changes to immigration and border security. He declared a national emergency at the southern border, letting the military and National Guard step in to deal with illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
He also ended “catch and release,” which is releasing immigrants into the community while they await hearings in immigration court rather than an immigration detention.
Trump has kept building the border wall and brought back “Remain in Mexico” for asylum seekers. This policy requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed, potentially prolonging their separation from family and friends in the U.S.
Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, ended birthright citizenship for children of undocumented and some legal parents using the 14th Amendment, and ordered stricter vetting of immigrants. Additionally, he told federal agencies to use every legal means to protect U.S. citizens from illegal immigration.
No matter your immigration status, everyone in the U.S. has rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers a “Know Your Rights” guide for those facing ICE or deportation. Students can use this resource to understand their rights and seek help if needed.
