In an unprecedented move, Donald Trump began his second tenure as President of the United States on January 20, 2025 - that same day Donald Trump signed 46 executive orders on his very first day in office. The scope of these orders is broad, signaling a sweeping shift in domestic and international policy. For Latinos born and living in the United States, these changes foreshadow a challenging era that could redefine the landscape of citizenship, immigration, and cultural identity in the country for our Latino community.
Here at BoldLatina, our team explore the most controversial policies and their implications for the Latino community in the United States:
Denying and Redefining Birthright Citizenship
The Trump administration has revived the contentious debate over the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Through an executive order, Trump has attempted to deny this constitutional right to the children of undocumented immigrants as the administration seeks to redefine what is 'birthright citizenship' - using landmark cases like that of Native Americans /Tribal Nations who were granted citizenship in 1924 by the United States government. The Justice Department cited the status of Native Americans as a legal analogy to justify Trump’s executive order in court. However, this case is not one that is 'legal' but based on the prejudices and discrimination of that era as stated by legal scholars and professors at top universities such as Harvard Law.
Civil rights groups have already filed lawsuits, claiming this policy is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent. As of January 25, 2025, a federal judge temporarily blocked it after 22 states quickly mounted a legal challenge. Millions of U.S.-born Latinos are facing the threat of statelessness or legal uncertainty, unraveling generations of progress for immigrant families including the Latino community. To date, more than eighteen states are suing the Trump Administration to block denial of birthright citizenship. NOTE: The birthright citizenship policy would only apply to individuals born in the United States after February 19, 2025, meaning no current U.S. citizens would lose their citizenship.
Enacting the Laken Riley Act Into Official Law
In an effort to curb immigration, the Laken Riley Act is a U.S. official federal law that mandates the detention of non-citizens who have been charged with or convicted of theft-related crimes, assaulting a police officer, or offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury, such as those caused by driving under the influence. The legislation also empowers states to sue the federal government for perceived failures in enforcing immigration laws. You can learn more about the Laken Riley Act-Law here.
The Shutdown of Spanish-Language Government Resources
The move is an attempt to deny Spanish speakers access to vital information posted and released by the White House. The site currently is to sit on this URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/es/ when one visits the site an “Error 404” page message appears. Users are directed to the Home page where an image of Donald Trump appears.
Spanish speakers including those who voted for Donald Trump, Latino advocacy organizations voiced concerned over the abrupt shut down. The White House has not commented.
Other Spanish versions of government agency websites such as the Department of Labor, Justice and Agriculture will shut down on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 according to the Trump administration.

Sealing the U.S./Mexico Border
Asylum seekers cried and grew more frustrated at the border as they waited for days to enter the United States legally. The executive order seeks to entirely seal off the southern border, with few exceptions for trade and highly selective migration cases. This move disrupts cross-border family ties, hinders economic activity, and ignores the humanitarian crises that prompt many to seek asylum. As we know, many Latin Americans come from towns where drug and cartel leaders threaten the livelihood of locals. For the U.S. Latino community with family in Mexico or Central America, the border closure threatens to sever cultural and familial bonds. Advocacy groups warn this could exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and its southern neighbors, while fueling anti-immigrant sentiment.
@cnn The US-Mexico border is effectively closed off to migrants seeking asylum in the United States after President Donald Trump retook the Oval Office. CNN's Valeria León spoke to multiple migrants along the border who fear their future is now in limbo.
♬ original sound - CNN
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico and Impacting Culture
In a symbolic yet controversial move, Donald Trump has issued an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "American Gulf," claiming it aligns with his vision of reasserting U.S. sovereignty. A news release by the Interior Department stated the following that the reason was to "reaffirm the Nation's commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations of Americans celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets."
Critics view this as a blatant disregard for the cultural and historical ties of neighboring countries, particularly Mexico. For the Latino community, this act feels like an erasure of shared heritage and a provocation toward the binational identity many Latinos have embraced for nearly a century.
Presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum issued her statement weeks ago after being brought the proposal of the new name.
Presidenta Sheinbaum joked that North America should be renamed 'Mexican America."
Reinstatement of the Death Penalty and Disparities for Latinos
Through another executive order, Trump has reinstated the federal death penalty, emphasizing its application to a broader range of crimes, including offenses related to immigration and drug trafficking. This policy disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including Latinos, who already face systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system. Critics argue that this move perpetuates racial disparities in sentencing and undermines ongoing efforts to address biases in capital punishment cases. For many Latino families, this signals a harsher and more punitive approach to law enforcement under the new administration, intensifying more fear and uncertainty.
National Emergency Declaration at the Border
In a move to justify expanded border control measures, Trump has declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This order reallocates federal funds to construct additional barriers and deploy military resources, bypassing congressional approval. Critics argue that this declaration is more about political theater than addressing any legitimate emergency. For the Latino community, this fuels an ongoing narrative of criminalization and further militarizes regions where many Latinos reside, exacerbating fear and division.
Reversing Climate Change Initiatives
Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and declared a national "energy emergency" to prioritize fossil fuel production over renewable energy initiatives. These actions reverse years of progress in combating climate change. Marginalized communities including our Latino community, many live in areas disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, stand to suffer the most from increased pollution and climate-related disasters. Advocacy groups emphasize that these policies ignore the environmental justice concerns faced by vulnerable populations.
The importance of Latinos aligning in resistance and gathering important momentum to protect, preserve and be seen in the fight of climate change has never been more important:
Rollbacks on LGBTQ+ - Transgender Rights
Trump has issued an order rolling back federal protections for transgender individuals, particularly in schools, workplaces, and healthcare. This includes restrictions on access to gender-affirming care and participation in gender-appropriate facilities and activities. Latino LGBTQ+ individuals, already facing cultural stigmas and systemic barriers, are now at even greater risk of discrimination. Activists within the Latino community stress the need for solidarity and inclusion to combat these harmful policies. Individuals from the transgender community are suing the Trump administration for their LBGTQ+ rights. UPDATE: As of 1/28, the Trump administration signed an executive order banning federal funding and support to youth under 19 seeking gender-affirming (lifesaving medical) care and only recognize two sexes: male and female. In the past and current, gender-affirming care has been supported by major medical organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. The Trump administration is defying medical experts and organizations meant to advise and structure care for those in our community.
NOTE: The Trump administration may be forming a new policy that would target transgenders who serve in the military or other defense organizations.
Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) - Public Health Concerns for Latinos
Through another executive order, Trump has formalized the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization, citing mismanagement during global health crises. This decision undermines international cooperation on health issues, including pandemic preparedness and disease control. For Latinos, who were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this withdrawal signals a dangerous lack of commitment to public health equity and access to global resources. It also raises concerns about the U.S.’s ability to address future health crises effectively. Update: As of January 25, 2025, Trump is reconsidering the withdrawal from WHO.
A Freeze of Federal Aid Spending
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 5pm Eastern Time, the Trump administration issued a pause or freeze of all federal aid spending which could impact government funded programs, loand that aid United States citizens including infrastructure, housing, disaster relief, education, domestic violence and children programs. The abrupt move by the Trump administration caused national uproar and confusion. UPDATE: As of 1/29, the Trump administration has rescinded the freeze/pause on federal aid. No announcements have been made whether this action will be presented again in the future.
These executive orders, while just the beginning of Trump’s new presidency, represent the heightened stakes for Latinos in the United States. BoldLatina.com remains committed to providing critical analysis and amplifying voices from our community as we navigate these turbulent times.
Let’s stand informed, united, and resilient.
This article updated as of January 30, 2025.