By Alejandrina Avila, Feb. 4, 2025
President Donald J. Trump signed over 20 executive orders on his first day back in office, many of which focus on immigration, federal funding and government bureaucracy.
While immigration has been a point of emphasis, throughout his campaign, Trump’s executive orders have also affected government bureaucracy, federal funding and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. According to Mario Guerrero, the department chair of political science, public universities like Cal Poly Pomona could face increased scrutiny, particularly regarding large-scale federal initiatives and funding.
Kiana Arevalo, a political science student, pointed to specific orders, such as those affecting federal employees, funding allocations and international agreements.
“One order allows for firing federal employees who were involved in investigating Trump’s presidency, despite civil services protections,” Arevalo said. “Another order directs federal agencies to pause funding obligations, which could impact grants and loans for communities in need.”
Trump has also signed orders within international organizations, including climate change and health agreements.
Trump has also signed orders affecting international organizations, including those related to climate change and health agreements.
“Even though we may not feel the effects immediately, these decisions could have long-term consequences for global cooperation on a critical issue,” Arevalo added.
Trump’s recent rush of executive orders aim to address what he and his administration viewed as missteps during his first term or missteps of President Joe Biden.
Guerrero said some of a president’s first orders in office are substantive while others are symbolic because they help distance the new administration from the previous one.
“They had four years out of office to plan how to implement more policies effectively this time around,” Guerrero said. “Some of these orders are fulfilling past campaign promises, while others are designed to make immediate changes.”
While executive orders have become a tool for presidents to bypass Congress, they are not absolute. According to Guerrero, Congress can pass laws to counter executive orders, courts can rule them as unconstitutional or states can resist them.
As legal battles unfold, the long-term effects on students and faculty remain uncertain, especially regarding immigration enforcement and federal funding.
While executive orders have become a tool for presidents to bypass congress, they are not absolute. California has already taken steps to resist certain orders, particularly on immigration and environmental policies, by filling lawsuits and enacting state-level protections. Similarity to Washington’s attorney general has challenged the administration by filling a lawsuit against changes to birthright citizenship.
“We have undocumented students and faculty there who are concerned about (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) actions on campus,” Guerrero said.” Potential funding cuts could affect financial aid, research and administrative support.”
Astrid Cordero, a political science student, shared concerns about how these executive orders may disproportionately impact immigrant communities as well those at CPP.
“I live in a neighborhood that’s mostly Hispanic, and I work at a law firm where people need our help,” Cordero said. “Mass deportation creates fear. Nobody should have to live in fear. F— ICE.”
Cordero also shared a TikTok video to spread the word of the ICE raids, including photos on what to say to ICE. As a first-generation college student, Cordero is worried about the effect more ICE raids could have on her peers.
“ICE targeting schools is a real concern, not just for elementary schools, but also for colleges,” Cordero said. “There are many students on (Deterred Action for Childhood Arrivals), or those with undocumented parents. If students’ parents are deported, they might have to leave school, impacting higher education and financial stability.
Overall, the impact of Trump’s executive orders on CPP remains uncertain, particularly in areas like immigration enforcement and federal funding. While these orders can bring immediate changes, they may also face legal challenges and policy revisions. As the situation evolves, the university community will continue to adapt and respond.
The impact of Trump’s executive orders at CPP remains uncertain, particularly in areas like immigration enforcement and federal funding.
Students who are concerned about these orders or potential ICE raids can seek support from campus resources like Undocumented Students Services, which provides legal advice and advocacy.
Feature image courtesy of The White House website
