DHS Pauses Certain Removals For 100 Days

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on January 20, 2021, that it is pausing for 100 days removals for certain noncitizens ordered deported, with exceptions. DHS said the action is intended "to ensure we have a fair and effective immigration enforcement system focused on protecting national security, border security, and public safety" and to "allow DHS to ensure that its resources are dedicated to responding to the most pressing challenges that the United States faces." Among those issues, a press release states, are "immediate operational challenges at the southwest border in the midst of the most serious global public health crisis in a century."

DHS said it will "continue to enforce our immigration laws" throughout "this interim period." The memo calls for a review of policies and practices related to immigration enforcement.