Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats
This executive order directs federal agencies to substantially tighten and harmonize the screening and vetting of foreign nationals seeking admission to the United States, and to those already in the United States, to prevent terrorists and other national security or public safety threats from entering or remaining in the country. It calls for a universal, higher-level of vetting across agencies, a reset of screening baselines to align with the pre-2021 framework, and a focus on nations or regions deemed high risk. The order also requires rapid reporting on countries with deficient vetting and potential admission suspensions under existing law, and it directs a broad set of reviews—ranging from inadmissibility grounds to refugee verification and visa programs—to bolster security while safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system. It stops short of creating new rights and emphasizes implementation within existing law and appropriations. In short, the order is a policy package aimed at expanding and standardizing screening, identifying at-risk nationalities for potential admission suspensions, tightening safeguards around refugees, and evaluating visa programs and assimilation measures to better protect American constitutional rights and public safety.
Key Points
- 1Enhanced vetting across agencies: The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, must identify resources, specify information needed from other countries, re-establish a uniform screening baseline equivalent to the January 19, 2021 standard, and maximize the vetting of all aliens seeking admission or already present in the United States, especially those from regions with identified security risks.
- 260-day countries report and potential suspensions: Within 60 days, the relevant agencies must submit a joint report to the President identifying countries where vetting is deficient enough to warrant partial or full suspension of admission under INA 212(f), and quantify how many nationals from those countries have entered since January 20, 2021, plus other relevant data.
- 3Immediate action on inadmissibility and safeguards: Within 30 days, the agencies must evaluate and adjust regulations, policies, and guidance related to grounds of inadmissibility (INA 212(a)(2)-(3)); strengthen safeguards to prevent refugee or stateless admissions without stringent identification verification; review all visa programs to prevent exploitation by hostile actors; and recommend actions to protect Americans from foreign nationals who undermine constitutional rights or support foreign terrorists.
- 4Assimilation and protections: The order tasks agencies to assess the adequacy of assimilation programs for lawful immigrants and to recommend measures that promote a unified American identity, while identifying offenses under removal-related provisions and ensuring resources to address such offenses.
- 5General provisions and limitations: The order affirms that it does not diminish existing law or agency authority, and it is to be implemented consistent with law and available appropriations. It explicitly states the order does not create enforceable rights or benefits.