On the first day of his presidency, Donald Trump signed a series of orders aimed at changing immigration laws. Among the decisions is an order to cancel the right to US citizenship for children born to foreign parents, changes to obtaining an H-1B visa and much more. Find out what will change very soon for immigrants in the US

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President Donald Trump has signed numerous executive orders on immigration in his first hours in office. Most of the orders are aimed at implementing stricter vetting of foreign nationals, suspending refugee and asylum applications, and imposing broad restrictions and enforcement measures at the U.S.-Mexico border. But the main decision, which will affect thousands of people, is to impose significant restrictions on birthright citizenship.

Here’s everything a foreigner needs to know about the changes to U.S.immigration law that will come with Donald Trump’s presidency in 2025.

What is birthright citizenship?

Birthright citizenship refers to the legal right of a child born in the country to automatically acquire U.S. citizenship, regardless of the citizenship status of their parents.

In the United States, the 14th Amendment guarantees that children born in the United States are granted U.S. citizenship. However, a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump aims to end this long-standing policy.

Has the United States abolished birthright citizenship for foreigners?

On January 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that restricts birthright citizenship for certain categories of children born in the United States.

The order will take effect on February 19, 2025, and will deny US citizenship to the following categories of children:

- Children born to a mother who is in the United States illegally, if the father is not a US citizen or permanent resident.

- Children born to a mother who is in the United States legally, but on a temporary visa, if the father is not a US citizen or permanent resident. This applies to B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, and P-1 visa holders.

How will the changes be implemented for foreign children in the United States?

Federal agencies are instructed to stop issuing and recognizing citizenship documents for such children, and to reject any documents issued by state or local governments that prove their citizenship.

As a result, these children may be denied U.S. passports and will have to apply for dependent nonimmigrant status.

Although the order challenges established legal interpretations, changing the right to birthright citizenship would likely require amending the Constitution, which faces significant political hurdles. The administration’s actions could lead to legal disputes and uncertainty for many families.

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What other immigration policy changes did President Trump introduce on his first day in office?

Donald Trump’s immigration reforms aim to tighten visa rules, raising concerns for foreign workers, students and their families in the US:

- Changes to the H-1B visa program

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to hire foreign workers for specialized positions that require theoretical or technical knowledge. Only highly skilled workers with at least a bachelor’s degree who have valuable knowledge can obtain the visa. The Biden administration has simplified the H-1B visa procedure in its final months, but Donald Trump says he plans to approve the following changes:

1. A new definition for the term “specialty occupation” – making it more difficult to qualify for roles without specific degree requirements.

2. Increased scrutiny – an increase in requests for evidence (RFE) and application denials is expected.

3. Higher salary thresholds – Doubling the minimum annual salary from $60,000 to $120,000 could impact mid-level positions.

- Reversal of Biden Administration Orders

The broad executive order reverses many of the Biden administration’s executive actions, including the Restoring Faith in Legal Immigration Order, which directed immigration agencies to reduce barriers to legal immigration and access to immigration benefits. It also rescinded the AI ​​policy order, which directed immigration agencies to develop mechanisms to help the United States attract and retain foreign talent in the field of artificial intelligence.

- Enhanced Screening and Possible Future Travel Bans

As expected, President Trump issued an executive order requiring enhanced security and vetting of foreign nationals applying for U.S. visas, entry into the United States, or immigration benefits in the United States.

The first-day orders did not include a broad travel ban, but President Trump directed federal agencies to recommend travel restrictions over the next 30 to 60 days, indicating that some of them could be implemented in the coming weeks and months.

- Ending Humanitarian Parole Programs

One of President Trump’s executive orders on border security directs the Department of Homeland Security to end humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

- Border and Internal Control

Many of President Trump’s executive orders focus on the U.S.-Mexico border. The President declared a national emergency on the southern border and described the situation as an “invasion” requiring the participation of the US military, despite federal laws that limit the use of the military to ensure domestic policy in the United States of America.

- Suspension of the US Refugee Program

The executive order announces that the US Refugee Assistance Program (USRAP) will be suspended for at least three months starting January 27, 2025 at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Time.

We can safely say that a new stage has begun in US migration policy, so follow the news carefully, we will tell you everything on the Visit World portal.

As a reminder! Starting January 17, 2025, the US has introduced new H-1B visa rules aimed at improving fairness and reducing fraud. We have already told you what changes foreigners can expect this year and what is the procedure for obtaining an H1B visa.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

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