The Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump is reversing former President Joe Biden’s policy of “quiet amnesty” by reopening deportation cases that had been closed or dismissed, putting thousands of illegal aliens back on track for removal.
Key Facts:
- Under Biden, immigration courts often dismissed or closed deportation cases rather than ruling on asylum claims.
- DHS is now reopening these cases to move forward with deportations.
- More than 700,000 illegal aliens benefited from administrative closures under Biden.
- DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said Trump and Secretary Noem are “following the law” and resuming removal proceedings.
- A House Judiciary Subcommittee report criticized Biden’s approach as allowing illegal aliens to remain without consequences.
The Rest of The Story:
During the Biden administration, immigration judges were directed to use “prosecutorial discretion” to dismiss, terminate, or administratively close deportation cases rather than adjudicate them. This allowed many illegal aliens to remain in the United States indefinitely, even if their asylum claims were never evaluated.
According to the House Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, more than 700,000 illegal aliens saw their cases closed or dismissed during Biden’s term. The subcommittee’s report described this as a form of “quiet amnesty,” accusing the administration of using the immigration court backlog as justification for inaction.
DHS under Trump, led by Secretary Noem, is now reversing that policy. Cases previously shelved are being reactivated, meaning those who believed they were safe from deportation could soon face hearings and possible removal.
Commentary:
Reopening these deportation cases may appear harsh to some, but it restores a basic standard: equal application of the law. It is inconsistent to allow some illegal entrants to remain indefinitely while deporting others for the same violation. The rules should be clear, consistent, and enforced.
The Biden administration’s policy of quietly closing cases created a sense of security for people who had no legal right to be in the country. That may have felt compassionate in the short term, but it undermined the integrity of the immigration system and encouraged further illegal entry.
For years, Americans have been told that immigration enforcement is about priorities — focusing on the most dangerous offenders. But in practice, Biden’s approach amounted to ignoring vast numbers of cases entirely. This created a two-tier system that rewarded those who slipped through bureaucratic cracks.
The Trump administration’s move reestablishes a system where all illegal entry is treated as a violation to be addressed. That’s not an extremist position; it’s the foundation of lawful immigration. Without it, the border becomes meaningless.
There is also a fairness issue for legal immigrants who follow the rules. Allowing others to bypass the process and remain indefinitely sends the wrong message — that the law is optional.
Critics will say this will disrupt communities and families, but the reality is that these individuals always faced potential deportation. Biden’s “quiet amnesty” simply put that reality on pause, without resolving their status.
Some may choose to self-deport, avoiding formal proceedings. That, too, would be a lawful outcome and could pave the way for them to return through proper legal channels.
The Bottom Line:
The Trump administration’s reversal of Biden’s “quiet amnesty” policy signals a return to consistent enforcement of immigration law. By reopening closed deportation cases, DHS is ensuring that the same rules apply to all who enter illegally. The change reinforces border integrity, restores fairness to the system, and sends a clear message that immigration laws will be enforced.
