Tue Jan 21 09:20:00 UTC 2025: **President Declares National Emergency at Southern Border, Suspends Entry of Aliens**
Washington, D.C. – In a sweeping executive order issued today, President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, citing an ongoing “invasion” of illegal aliens and asserting the federal government’s failure to uphold its constitutional obligation to protect states against invasion. The order suspends the entry of individuals deemed involved in this invasion and imposes restrictions on others posing public health, safety, or national security risks.
The President’s proclamation argues that the influx of millions of illegal immigrants over the past four years has overwhelmed border security systems, rendering ineffective existing immigration laws designed to screen out individuals who pose threats. He points to significant information gaps and processing delays hindering the effective vetting of those entering illegally, leading to concerns about national security, public safety, and the spread of communicable diseases.
The order invokes the President’s inherent constitutional authority and specific provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to justify the actions. It cites Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution, which mandates federal protection of states against invasion, arguing that the current situation constitutes a breach of that responsibility.
Key elements of the order include:
* **Suspension of entry:** The entry of aliens participating in the “invasion” is suspended indefinitely until the President determines the situation has ceased.
* **Restrictions on entry:** Aliens involved in the border crossings are barred from utilizing provisions of the INA that might allow them to remain in the United States.
* **Enhanced screening:** Entry will be suspended for any alien failing to provide sufficient medical and background information to meet existing health, safety, and security standards.
* **Constitutional powers:** The President asserts his authority under Article II of the Constitution to suspend the physical entry of aliens involved in the invasion and direct their repatriation.
The order directs the Secretaries of Homeland Security, State, and the Attorney General to take necessary steps to implement the suspension, including the repatriation of those involved in the border crossings. The proclamation emphasizes that this action is taken to safeguard national security, public health, and to fulfill the federal government’s constitutional duty to protect the states. The order’s legality is certain to face immediate legal challenges.
First Piper 