Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an ambitious anti-immigration plan, “Operation Aurora,” which he aims to implement if re-elected. Central to this strategy is his proposal to revive the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a law historically applied to deport foreign nationals from enemy countries during wartime. Trump has focused on using this law to deport gang members and suspected criminals among undocumented migrants, underscoring his commitment to strict immigration policies.
At a rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden, Trump expressed his intentions, telling a supportive crowd, “I will invoke the Alien Enemy Act of 1798… Get ready.” The law, originally part of the Alien and Sedition Acts enacted by a Federalist-led Congress, was designed to empower the President during times of war to expel foreign nationals deemed threats to national security.
Legal experts, however, question the feasibility of this plan, as the Alien Enemies Act has rarely been used in recent history and traditionally requires a formal declaration of war. Despite this, Trump’s announcement has intensified discussions on immigration, as he also advocates for harsher penalties for violent crimes committed by undocumented migrants, including the death penalty for severe offenses against American citizens and law enforcement.
The Alien Enemies Act is rooted in America’s past, specifically addressing security concerns during conflicts with France. It increased the naturalization period from five to fourteen years and allowed the deportation of foreign nationals deemed security risks. Though it has remained largely dormant, Trump’s proposal suggests he views it as a viable tool to enhance national security in modern immigration policy.
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