Since his initial campaign, President Trump has promised a border wall along the southern border of the United States to prevent illegal immigration. But acquiring the billions of dollars he wants for the project has proven to be quite a challenge, as lower courts and Congress have denied his requests on multiple occasions. The battle shut down the government at the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, upon which Congress granted a small portion of what he originally requested. He was able to secure more by declaring a national emergency later in the year.
Now, he is considering diverting more than $7 billion in Pentagon funds to complete 450 miles by the end of 2020 and nearly 900 miles of fencing in two years. This figure is five times more than what Congress originally authorized.
The $7.2 billion would take $3.7 billion from military construction projects and $3.5 billion from counterdrug programs. This funding would normally cover fighter jets, ships, vehicles, and equipment for the National Guard. If the administration succeeds in taking these funds, the Pentagon will have contributed more than $9 billion to fund the border wall.
This move is not, however, without pushback. Lawmakers in both parties are fighting against the diversion of funds, claiming Trump is only doing what he feels will get him reelected. Some call the diversion unconstitutional, explaining that military funds should only be allocated by the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, the President has gone through four DHS secretaries in three years due to conflicts between immigration agendas.
From attempting to terminate DACA to installing fees for asylum, the border wall is not the only barrier the Trump administration has placed between immigrants and the opportunities in the United States. Ultimately, one of the most significant elements influencing immigration policy in the coming years will be the result of the 2020 Presidential Election.
With an ever-increasing number of obstacles between you and your immigration goals, you will need the support of a seasoned and specialized law firm. At Guerra Sáenz, PL, our lead attorney is a Board Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law by the Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education. We have helped more than 1,000 immigrants, and we look forward to taking on your case next. Call (888) 936-3228 today to request your initial consultation with an immigration lawyer in Coral Springs.