Trump et les Visas, Une Raison de s'inquiéter? - bas non

With the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States, many concerns and questions have emerged regarding his immigration policy. It is true that from his very first day in office, he announced plans to launch “the largest mass deportation operation in history.” Let’s try to clarify what this means.

Who is affected by these measures?
These policies target undocumented migrants — that is, individuals who do not hold valid residency permits. These are the people now in the authorities’ sights. Good news for those with valid documentation: for now, no one is asking you to pack your bags.

However, if you are married or planning to immigrate through family reunification (I-130), this is certainly not the best time to travel to the United States under ESTA and then apply for an I-130 and Adjustment of Status. Doing so would place you in an irregular immigration situation.

Moreover, the Trump administration’s current priority is to deport undocumented migrants who have committed crimes in the United States. As a result, French nationals traveling legally to the U.S. are not affected.

What happens to undocumented migrants?
Immigration enforcement (ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is conducting targeted arrests, followed by the deportation of affected individuals to their country of origin. However, not all hope is lost: in some cases, these individuals may later return legally by applying for a visa and possibly obtaining a residence permit.

It’s important to remember that in the United States, every person benefits from fundamental rights, including the right to legal defense. No one can be deported without judicial process. The Trump administration’s actions primarily target individuals who have already received a deportation order from an immigration judge.

Of course, there may be flaws in the implementation of these measures, but critics of this policy often deliberately conflate the situation of undocumented migrants with the rights of U.S. citizens. This is often a political strategy rooted in bad faith, ignoring the broad powers granted to the president in matters of immigration and border protection.

What about foreigners wishing to move to the United States?
Rest assured, visa and residency procedures have not turned into an impossible obstacle course. If you still dream of claiming your piece of the American dream, it remains possible — provided, of course, that you strictly follow the administrative rules.

To prevent your application process from becoming a bureaucratic nightmare, don’t hesitate to consult an immigration lawyer specializing in U.S. law. They can assist you in obtaining the residence status best suited to your situation.

In any case, there is no need to panic: legal immigration channels remain very much open. In fact, if the system is less burdened by undocumented individuals, professional and family-based immigration may even become smoother.