Yes, immigration law can be changed, and it has changed many times since the 1800’s.
Federal laws are written by the U.S. Congress and become effective when signed by the President. Therefore, immigration law can only be truly changed by Congress. The U.S. Congress can pass new immigration laws or amend laws that already exist. They can also create large reforms and entirely new frameworks related to immigration. However, making these changes through Congress is not easy due to party divides and political considerations. Recently, Congress passed the Laken Riley Act, which focuses on the detention of immigrants arrested or charged with certain crimes. However, prior to this, there had been no significant immigration legislation for over 20 years.
While the U.S. Congress is responsible for writing immigration law, the U.S. President and the courts can also impact immigration. Specially they can impact how the law is enforced and interpreted. The President can issue executive orders that change immigration policies and enforcement priorities. The Courts can then interpret immigration laws and rule on the legality of executive actions.
If you have any questions about any potential changes in the law, enforcement, or interpretation, call us today and consult with an experienced immigration attorney!