Guaranteeing The States Protection Against Invasion

January 20, 2025

Action Summary:

  • Invasion Declaration: President proclaims ongoing invasion at southern border, invoking Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution.
  • National Security Risks: Highlights risks from illegal aliens concerning public health, safety, and national security due to ineffective screening processes.
  • Suspension of Entry: Proclaims suspension of entry for aliens involved in the invasion until the situation is resolved.
  • Restrictions on Aliens: Aliens engaged in invasion cannot invoke certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for entry.
  • Health and Safety Screening: Aliens must provide medical information and background checks; failure to do so results in entry suspension.
  • Operational Action Orders: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to repel or remove aliens involved in invasion.
  • Legal Authority Clarification: Proclamation states this action aligns with laws and does not create enforceable rights against the United States.
  • Implementation Guidance: Emphasizes alignment with applicable law and availability of appropriations for execution.

Risks and Considerations

  • Policy Shift and Border Security Expansion: The Executive Order declares an ongoing “invasion” at the southern border, substantially tightening immigration enforcement and restricting entry. This marks a significant shift in federal immigration policy.
  • Legal Challenges and Constitutional Debates: The order asserts broad executive authority over immigration control, citing Article II and Article IV powers. This could lead to legal disputes over presidential authority, state rights, and federal jurisdiction.
  • Business Impact on Government Clients: Federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement and border security will likely undergo operational changes. This may affect consulting needs in strategy, leadership, and change management.
  • Ethical and Reputational Risks: Given the controversial nature of border security policies, companies operating in government consulting may face reputational concerns if associated with implementation efforts.
  • Operational Constraints for Workforce Mobility: Stricter immigration policies could affect talent acquisition and workforce mobility, particularly for organizations with a diverse or international workforce.

Business Implications

The Clearing should anticipate shifts in government contracts relating to border security and immigration policy. Clients in federal and state agencies may require advisory services to navigate legal complexities and operational restructuring. Additionally, leadership and cultural consulting could be in demand as organizations address internal workforce concerns.

Relevance Score: 4

Key Actions:

  • Monitor policy changes related to border security and immigration enforcement that may impact government agency clients.
  • Assess potential implications for state and local government clients regarding increased federal immigration enforcement and associated resource burdens.
  • Advise clients in affected sectors, including law enforcement, border security, and humanitarian organizations, on strategy adjustments in response to new immigration restrictions.
  • Support government agencies in navigating operational changes arising from enhanced federal immigration enforcement measures.
  • Prepare leadership and change management strategies for organizations working with immigrant populations or affected by shifts in border policy.

Relevance Score: 4

Average Relevance Score: 4.2

Timeline for Implementation

Indefinite suspension of entry and restrictions on presence until the President determines the invasion has ceased.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations:

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
  • Department of State (DOS)
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)

Relevance Score: 3

Responsible Officials

  • Secretary of Homeland Security – Implementing entry suspensions and coordinating border enforcement actions.
  • Secretary of State – Coordinating international efforts related to repatriation and immigration restrictions.
  • Attorney General – Ensuring legal compliance and enforcement of immigration restrictions.

Relevance Score: 5 (Impacts multiple Cabinet officials with broad national security, immigration, and legal enforcement implications).

Granting Pardons And Commutation Of Sentences For Certain Offenses Relating To The Events At Or Near The United States Capitol On January 6, 2021

January 20, 2025

Action Summary:

  • Purpose: Address national injustice from January 6, 2021 events and initiate national reconciliation.
  • Commutations: Commuted sentences to time served for listed individuals convicted of Capitol-related offenses.
  • Pardons: Granted full, unconditional pardons to all other individuals convicted of Capitol-related offenses.
  • Implementation: Attorney General tasked with issuing pardons and releasing incarcerated individuals immediately.
  • Pleading Dismissals: Directs dismissal of pending indictments related to January 6 events.

Risks and Considerations

  • Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty: The blanket pardons and commutations may face significant legal challenges, creating uncertainty for government agencies and organizations that work closely with federal law enforcement or legal institutions.
  • Public and Political Backlash: This action is highly polarizing and may lead to extensive political debate and public unrest, which could affect the broader regulatory environment and impact clients engaged in government relations or public-sector consulting.
  • Reputational Risks: Organizations consulting for government agencies or businesses linked to security and public safety must navigate potential reputational risks associated with perceived alignment or opposition to this order.
  • Operational Changes in the Justice System: Shifts in DOJ priorities and policies could affect consulting engagements related to legal, regulatory compliance, or leadership transformation within the justice and law enforcement sectors.
  • Implications for Workplace Culture and Leadership: Clients may experience challenges in managing workplace discussions and internal tensions if employees or stakeholders hold strong views on the decision, requiring careful leadership and organizational culture guidance.

Business Implications

The Clearing must assess potential shifts in federal justice priorities, especially if consulting engagements involve government agencies or organizations affected by legal and security policy. Corporate clients may require expertise in workplace culture management and leadership to address employee concerns or reputational considerations linked to this decision. Additionally, monitoring public sentiment will be critical to advising organizations on maintaining resilience amid political uncertainty.

Relevance Score: 4

Key Actions:

  • Monitor public and political reactions to the pardons, as they may impact government agency clients and public sentiment.
  • Assess risks for clients involved in law enforcement, justice, and policy advocacy sectors due to potential shifts in public trust and operational priorities.
  • Advise leadership on crisis communication strategies in response to potential public backlash or organizational reputation concerns.
  • Prepare strategy updates for clients navigating changes in justice system policies and public discourse.

Relevance Score: 3

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

Immediate implementation as of January 20, 2025. The Attorney General and Bureau of Prisons must act without delay to issue pardons, release convicted individuals, and dismiss pending indictments.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations:

  • Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Office of the Attorney General
  • Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
  • Federal Judiciary

Relevance Score: 2

Responsible Officials

  • Attorney General – Administering pardons, dismissing pending indictments, and overseeing prisoner release.
  • Director of the Bureau of Prisons – Implementing immediate release of affected individuals per Department of Justice directives.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives are executed at the highest levels of the Department of Justice, affecting Cabinet officials and agency leadership).