Donald Trump followed through Monday on his promise for sweeping changes to the immigration system — even going after U.S. citizenship itself.
In several executive orders signed at the White House, Trump sought to restrict birthright citizenship, close pathways to legal immigration relief, ramp up deportations and more. The orders are sure to face legal challenges and cause chaos. But Trump and his allies have repeatedly said the election gave him a referendum to act on immigration, and his orders made clear he plans to use it whether or not it brushes up against the Constitution.
The new orders will affect huge numbers of people: Babies born to unauthorized immigrants will have uncertain citizenship. People seeking relief at the border will be turned around. Some undocumented immigrants considered low priority for deportation previously may now be targeted.