Wendy S. Wayne
America has long defined itself as a nation of immigrants, reflecting not only our diversity, but a shared belief in liberty, justice, opportunity, and in providing refuge to those fleeing persecution. That identity has been challenged by the current administration's efforts to radically reshape our nation's immigration laws and policies. The President, during his first week in office, issued three Executive Orders that drastically altered immigration policies and promoted restrictive enforcement activities. These orders called for a temporary ban on refugees and certain (mostly Muslim) visitors to our nation, the construction of a continuous wall along the southwest border, a massive expansion of civil detention and immigration enforcement, and ending protections for certain asylum-seekers.