WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order to suspend the physical entry of individuals deemed to be involved in an “invasion” across the southern border, invoking Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution and federal immigration law.
Article IV, Section 4 of the United States Constitution guarantees a republican form of government to each state and protects states from invasion and domestic violenc
The order directs the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Department of State to take immediate action to “repel, repatriate, and remove” individuals crossing the southern border without legal authorization. The administration is also restricting access to immigration provisions such as asylum for those labeled as participating in the so-called invasion.
In a statement accompanying the order, the administration cited a failure by the Biden administration to adequately address illegal border crossings, alleging millions of unauthorized entries and significant costs to state and local governments, including in Texas. “The Constitution guarantees the states protection against invasion, and today we are fulfilling that promise,” the order declared.
Trump referenced prior remarks on the costs of illegal immigration, stating, “Illegal immigration hurts American workers, burdens taxpayers, and places strain on local schools, hospitals, and communities in general.” He vowed in 2024 to seal the southern border, calling this executive action a fulfillment of that campaign promise.
The executive order, which relies on authority granted under the Immigration and Nationality Act and Article II of the Constitution, marks an escalation in the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts. The directive is expected to face legal challenges.