The Trump administration is expected to invoke what is called ‘war authority’ to accelerate the promise of mass deportation in the coming days, according to four sources familiar with the discussions told CNN.
The little-known 18th-century law, the “Alien Enemies Act of 1798,” gives the president tremendous authority to target and remove undocumented immigrants. Legal experts believe the president will face a tough battle in the courts if he decides to adopt the old law.
The law was created to be invoked if the U.S. is at war with another country, or if a foreign nation has invaded the U.S. or threatened to do so. Legal experts say it will be difficult for Trump to use the act when the U.S. is not being attacked by a foreign government, even if the administration cites threats from gangs or cartels.
The Alien Enemies Act has been invoked three times in U.S. history – all during wartime. During World War I and World War II, it was used to justify the detention and expulsion of German, Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and Japanese immigrants.
According to CNN sources, the announcement of the invocation of the law could come as early as Friday. The change is likely to pave the way for quicker removals of certain immigrants.
Source: CNN