DHS releases implementation memoranda on immigration and border security executive orders

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday released a set of documents translating President Trump's executive orders on immigration and border security into policy.

A statement by the department said that US Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly has issued two memoranda to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) workforce providing further direction to implement the recent executive orders on border security and enforcement of the immigration laws.

A document titled 'Fact Sheet: Executive Order: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements' said that the purpose of this order is to direct executive departments and agencies to deploy all lawful means to secure the nation's southern border with Mexico, to prevent further illegal immigration into the United States, and to repatriate illegal aliens swiftly, consistently, and humanely.

This order also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to hire an additional 5,000 border agents and to empower state and local law enforcement to support federal enforcement of immigration law, and to ensure that prosecution guidelines place a high priority on crimes having a nexus to our southern border, said the document.

Under actions taken in the ambit of the order, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States, said the document adding that the guidance makes clear, however, that ICE should prioritize several categories of removable aliens who have committed crimes, beginning with those convicted of a criminal offense.

Regarding constructing and funding a border wall, the document said that DHS will immediately identify and allocate all sources of available funding for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of a wall, including the attendant lighting, technology (including sensors), as well as patrol and access roads, and develop requirements for total ownership cost of this project.

The document said that in order to promote transparency in the procedures, DHS will make data on aliens apprehended at or near the southern border available to the public.