WASHINGTON, United States — The Department of Homeland Security issued tough new orders Tuesday to begin a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, putting nearly all of the country’s 11 million undocumented foreigners in their cross-hairs. Two memos issued by DHS Secretary John Kelly order border patrol and immigration officers to deport as quickly as possible any illegal immigrants they find, with only a few exceptions, principally children. ADVERTISEMENTHowever, categories of illegal immigrants deemed as low priority by the previous Barack Obama administration — generally anyone not tied to a crime — are no longer protected. Soon after being inaugurated president on January 20, Trump ordered action to begin construction of a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile-long (3,145 kilometer) US-Mexico border, a tightening of border security, and tougher enforcement against illegal immigrants inside the country. Key topics include border security, law enforcement operation and trade, according to a State Department statement.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 21, 2017 23:46 UTC