President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan to prominent leadership positions in his upcoming administration. Miller, who served as a key advisor during Trump’s first term, has been named Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and will also serve as the president’s homeland security advisor. Homan, a former Border Patrol chief and acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will take on the role of Border Czar.
Both appointments, which do not require congressional confirmation, are seen as solid endorsements of Trump’s tough stance on immigration. Miller and Homan have been staunch supporters of Trump’s immigration policies, particularly his hardline approach to border security.
Miller was instrumental in shaping Trump’s immigration policies from 2017 to 2021, including the controversial zero-tolerance policy that led to family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. After Trump’s first term, Miller co-founded America First Legal, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing conservative causes. The organization has since filed numerous lawsuits challenging President Biden’s immigration policies.
Homan, who has extensive experience in border enforcement, will oversee the security of both the southern and northern U.S. borders, as well as maritime and aviation security. Additionally, he will manage deportations of undocumented individuals. Homan was also a key architect of the zero-tolerance policy, which led to the separation of over 5,500 children from their families in 2018. As of April 2024, the Department of Homeland Security reports that 1,401 children remain separated from their parents, with reunification efforts ongoing. Under a court settlement, families cannot be separated until at least December 2031.
Trump has repeatedly pledged to carry out what he calls the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals currently in the country. However, the specifics of how this plan will unfold remain unclear.
As always, ILBSG is closely following developments related to U.S. immigration policy. For personalized legal advice, clients are encouraged to consult directly with an immigration attorney.
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