There is SO much in this huge, dare-I-say BFD memo from DHS implementing a 100 day moratorium on deportations.

A brief thread

https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0120_enforcement-memo_signed.pdf

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Section A implements a top to bottom review of DHS policies around immigration - that is incredibly important start to create a fair, humane, and workable system. Report due within 100 days

@TomJawetz breaks down why that's important here https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/news/2021/01/11/494390/executive-action-can-build-fair-humane-workable-immigration-system/

Section B sets out interim enforcement priorities. Trump made anyone here, no matter how long, a priority. Biden, even before the review is complete, sets a very new course.

A few important things here: These priorities set out who should see enforcement on. But they also make it clear that the Department should once again be using discretion to not pursue enforcement against people who aren't priorities (esp. given limited resources)

And critically: "This guidance shall contain a
protocol for the Acting Secretary to conduct a periodic review of enforcement actions to ensure
consistency with the priorities set forth in this memorandum."

So they will continue to ensure the guidelines are being met.

Then the meat of the order. Section C. A 100 day pause on deportations, while the top-to-bottom review can take place. Into effect no later than Friday!

Exceptions in the moratorium for national security threats and the like, but in general, a 100-day pause to actually sort out a sensible immigration policy, rather than just deporting all of the people the Trump administration has rounded up recently.

AND the moratorium includes a direction to stand up a process to review people with orders of deportation to see if "alternatives to removal"--including reopening cases, deferred action, etc. may be more appropriate.

This might be one of the most impactful provisions.

All in all this is a HUGE order and makes me so so hopeful on a day when I was already feeling incredibly hopeful.

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