Statement Regarding President Trump's Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States
President Trump's January 25, 2017 Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States does not change existing Federal immigration laws. It directs federal agencies to:
- "employ all lawful means" to enforce existing immigration laws;
- "ensure that jurisdictions that fail to comply with applicable Federal law do not receive Federal funds, except as mandated by law;"
- prioritize the removal of "removable aliens" who have committed criminal offenses, defrauded the government or abused public benefits program;
- engage with State and local officials to enter into voluntary agreements that authorize State and local enforcement officials "to perform the functions of immigration officers."
The University System of Maryland (USM) and its constituent institutions will continue to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, but may choose not to engage in voluntary immigration enforcement activities that are not required under applicable laws. The USM will continue to comply with FERPA, which protects student information from disclosure, absent a court order or subpoena.