By VK Lyngdoh
As of January 2025, Donald Trump has signed over 80 executive orders since his return to the White House. These orders cover a wide range of topics, including immigration, energy and free speech. Let us examine the two orders which he signed 5 days ago. The order on free speech and immigration. The order on free speech signed on January 20, 2025, aims to restore freedom of speech and end federal censorship. The order emphasises the importance of the First Amendment, which protects the right of free speech without government interference. It criticises the previous administration for allegedly censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms by pressuring social media companies to moderate or suppress content. The order outlines the policy of the United States to: Secure the right of Americans to engage in constitutionally protected speech, ensure that no federal government officer, employee, or agent unconstitutionally abridges free speech, prevent the use of taxpayer’s resources to engage in or facilitate censorship and identify and correct the past misconduct related to censorship of protected speech.
The Attorney General, in consultation with other executive departments and agencies, is tasked with investigating federal government activities over the past four years that may have infringed on free speech and recommend appropriate remedial actions. This order has drawn criticism from some who argue that it is a public relations exercise and does not address the complexities of online misinformation and hate speech. Critics argue that the order is an oversimplification as it focuses on preventing government interference in free speech but does not tackle the nuanced issue of misinformation and hate speech, which can cause real world harm. The order does not provide clear guidelines on how to balance free speech with the need to combat harmful content online. Critics worry that the order could be used to protect harmful speech under the guise of free speech, making it harder to address issues like harassment, threats and false information. These concerns highlight the challenges of creating policies that protect free speech while also addressing the negative impacts of misinformation and hate speech.
The executive order on immigration, titled, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” was signed on the same date. The order emphasizes the need to protect the United States from what it describes as an unprecedented surge of illegal immigration over the past four years. It highlights the threats posed by illegal aliens, including national security risks, public safety concerns, and economic burden on taxpayers. The order outlines the policy of the United States to (1) faithfully execute immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens. (2) Achieve total and efficient enforcement of these laws through lawful incentives and detention capabilities. The order revokes several previous executive orders related to immigration enforcement and family reunification. It directs federal agencies to take all appropriate actions to secure the borders, including establishing physical barriers and other measures to prevent illegal entry; detaining and promptly removing aliens who violate federal or state laws; pursuing criminal charges against illegal aliens and those who facilitate their unlawful presence; cooperating with state and local law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigration priorities. The order has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges, with critics arguing that it does not address the complexities of immigration and may lead to human rights violations.
The executive order on immigration, particularly the one ending birthright citizenship, has faced significant legal challenges. The order has been deemed “blatantly unconstitutional” by a federal judge in Seattle. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution July 9, 1868 guarantees citizenship to all children born on American soil, and this order contradicts that principle. A temporary restraining order has been issued, blocking the implementation of the policy for 14 days. Multiple lawsuits have been filed by states and civil rights organizations, arguing that the order would harm children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. The legal challenges are expected to be prolonged, with further hearings and potential appeals.
The economic impact of the executive order on immigration is multifaceted. Immigrants play a crucial role in the U.S. labour market, filling essential jobs and contributing to economic growth. Restricting immigration could lead to labour shortages in various industries, particularly those that rely heavily on immigrant workers. Immigrants are often at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship. Limiting immigration could stifle innovation and reduce the number of new businesses being created. Overall, immigration has a net positive effect on the U.S. economy. It boosts productivity, fills labour gaps, and contributes to federal, state and local budgets. Restricting immigrants could slow down economic growth and reduce the country’s competitive edge. These legal and economic implications highlight the complexities and potential consequences of the executive order on immigration.
The economic impact of immigration on the United States’ Gross Domestic Product is significant. Immigrants contribute to economic growth through their work, spending and tax payments. Some of the key points on immigrants is that they make up a substantial portion of the U.S. labour force. They fill essential jobs in various industries, including agriculture, construction, healthcare and technology. This helps to mitigate labour shortages and supports economic productivity. Immigrants increase consumer demand for goods and services, which stimulates economic activity. Their spending power boosts local economies and supports businesses. They contribute significantly to federal, state and local tax revenues. This helps fund public services and infrastructure. Overall, immigration has a net positive effect on the U.S. economy. It is estimated that increased immigration could reduce the U.S. federal budget deficit by nearly $897 billion over the next decade. However, restrictive immigration policies, such as mass deportations, could have adverse effects. The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates that the U.S. economy could shrink by 1.2 % by 2028 if the government deports 1.3 million people. If all 8.3 million undocumented immigrants were deported, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could fall by a whopping 7.4% over that time frame. At present 7.4% decrease in GDP would be around $1.89 trillion that is 61 percent of the GDP of India.