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The Department of Homeland and Security (DHS) announced that it is suspending the deportations of certain noncitizens for 100 days.

On Wednesday night, DHS Secretary David Pekoske signed a memorandum directing the department's agencies including the Customs and Border Protection  (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review policies and practices related to immigration enforcement.

The memorandum also directed the DHS agencies to reset enforcement policies and set interim policies for civil enforcement during the review process.

"For 100 days, starting January 22, 2021, DHS will pause removals for certain noncitizens ordered deported to ensure we have a fair and effective immigration enforcement system focused on protecting national security, border security, and public safety," according to the department.

In addition, the DHS explained that the suspension of deportations will "ensure that its resources are dedicated to responding to the most pressing challenges that the United States faces, including immediate operational challenges at the southwest border in the midst of the most serious global public health crisis in a century."

Furthermore, the DHS clarified that it will continue to enforce the country's immigration laws throughout the review process.

The suspension covers most noncitizens with deportation orders except those who entered the United States after November 1, suspected of espionage, terrorism, and pose a danger to national security.

Individuals who voluntarily waived their rights to remain in the U.S. and those who have been determined for removal by the Acting ICE Director are also excluded from the moratorium.

"We must ensure that our removal resources are directed to the Department’s highest enforcement priorities...The process shall provide for assessments of alternatives to
removal including, but not limited to, staying or reopening cases, alternative forms of detention, custodial detention, whether to grant temporary deferred action or other appropriate action," reads Pekoske's memorandum.

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