Trump’s blitz of new policies gives anti-immigration beliefs a troubling platform

People wait in line for appointments to establish or maintain their status in the country, at the Ice office in Miramar, Florida, on Tuesday. Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/AP

Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers hoping for a safe haven to build a life in the United States awoke to a blistering reality on Tuesday, after Donald Trump’s barrage of policy changes shortly after taking office effectively slammed the door shut on many would-be newcomers – and cast a spectre over many already living stateside.

First came the news that, as Trump was being sworn in as the 47th president, the federal government had disabled its CBP One phone app’s appointment system, where prospective migrants and asylum seekers could schedule an appointment with the US authorities and legally enter the country.