By In the first week of President Donald Trump’s second term, a series of explosive executive orders have ignited fierce backlash from human rights defenders. These orders, built on the claim that “an invasion is ongoing at the southern border,” are now threatening thousands of undocumented immigrants—including a significant number of Sri Lankan nationals—who have long built their lives in the United States.
A False Claim of Invasion
The Trump administration insists that the U.S. is under siege by a massive wave of illegal immigrants. Yet there is no evidence to back up this claim. In fact, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports a significant drop in recent border crossings. Most undocumented immigrants, including many from Sri Lanka, arrived out of desperation and a lack of legal options—not with the intent to disrupt or harm said Bill Frelick
Director, Refugee and Migrant Rights of Human Right Watch .
Shutdown of Asylum Processing and Military Deployment
One of the most alarming orders halts asylum processing at the border. With this move, individuals fleeing violence and persecution are denied the opportunity to have their protection claims heard. At the same time, the deployment of military personnel to the border has raised further concerns. Human rights advocates warn that closing legal pathways forces desperate people into dangerous situations, potentially leading to tragic consequences.
Mass Deportations and Transfers to Guantánamo Bay
The new orders have already triggered the first wave of arrests under what Trump terms “mass deportations.” Shockingly, some detainees are being transferred to the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. This policy endangers families—including children—who left their home countries seeking safety and refuge, only to face the real possibility of being sent back into perilous conditions.
How These Orders Affect Sri Lankan Immigrants
These aggressive immigration measures do not discriminate. Community groups report that several thousand undocumented Sri Lankan immigrants, many of whom have lived and worked in America for years, now face the imminent risk of detention and deportation. These individuals include workers, students, and families who have made the United States their home. For them, the threat is more than just legal—it jeopardizes their livelihoods, safety, and family stability.The official sourcers say that about 3,000 illegal Sri Lankan immigrants have been identified for deportation and the actual numbers could high as 10,000 said a Sri lankan community member working with immigrants.
Shutting Down Legal Pathways
Another consequence of these orders is the closure of legal channels for asylum seekers. With the suspension of asylum processing, those fleeing dangerous situations lose critical opportunities to seek protection. For many Sri Lankan immigrants who might have escaped turmoil back home, this shutdown of legal pathways only deepens their vulnerability.
The Impact on Human Rights
Human Rights Watch is deeply troubled by the harsh language and policies emerging from the administration. One executive order explicitly states that “use of force policies prioritize the safety and security of Department of Homeland Security personnel and of members of the Armed Forces.” This directive risks encouraging excessive force by law enforcement, which could lead to further human rights abuses. For Sri Lankan immigrants caught in this crackdown, the reality is a life filled with uncertainty, fear, and the potential for unjust separation from their families.
What Was Really Needed
Experts argue that instead of treating the situation as an “invasion,” the U.S. should have focused on processing protection claims fairly and efficiently. Increasing the number of asylum officers and immigration judges and establishing clear, compassionate guidelines would better serve those in need. Many migrants, including those from Sri Lanka, approached Border Patrol immediately upon arrival—not to overwhelm the system, but because they had no other legal options. Branding these desperate individuals as invaders is not only inaccurate; it is dangerously harmful.
A Call for Compassionate Immigration Reform
Human rights defenders are urging U.S. leaders to reconsider these drastic measures. Rather than resorting to fear-based rhetoric and emergency powers, policymakers should work on reforming the immigration system in a fair and humane way. This means restoring safe and legal pathways for those seeking refuge and protection and ensuring that every individual is treated with the dignity they deserve.
As Trump’s controversial deportation orders move forward, thousands of undocumented immigrants—Some of them Sri Lankan—face an uncertain future. Human Rights Watch calls on the administration to abandon policies fueled by fear and instead embrace solutions that uphold human rights and justice for all. The lives and futures of countless individuals depend on a shift from exclusion and harshness to fairness and compassion.
A Buddhist priest in California speaking to Lanka NewsLine said hat many SrIlankan illegal immigrants don’t have financial remorse’s to obtain sufficient legal support .
