The Ongoing Battle over the Fate of South Sudanese Immigrants in the U.S.
About the People Mentioned
Trump Administration
The Trump Administration refers to the executive branch of the United States government led by President Donald J. Trump, who served from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. Trump, a businessman and television personality before entering politics, was the 45th president. His administration was notable for its unconventional approach to governance, marked by frequent turnover in key roles and a focus on “America First” policies. The Cabinet under President Trump included Vice President Mike Pence and the heads of the 15 executive departments, such as the Secretaries of State (Mike Pompeo), Treasury (Steven Mnuchin), Defense (various, including acting secretaries), and others[1]. Additional Cabinet-level officials included the White House Chief of Staff, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Director of National Intelligence, among others[1]. Some roles saw multiple occupants, reflecting the administration’s dynamic staffing. Key policy achievements of the Trump Administration included major tax cuts through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deregulation across various industries, renegotiation of trade deals such as the USMCA (replacing NAFTA), and a hardline stance on immigration, including the construction of a border wall and travel restrictions targeting several Muslim-majority countries. The administration also pursued criminal justice reform, brokered normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states (the Abraham Accords), and withdrew the U.S. from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal. The administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, was a defining event, with mixed domestic and international responses. Trump’s presidency was also marked by two impeachments—first in 2019 over Ukraine-related charges and again in 2021 following the January 6 Capitol riot—though he was acquitted both times by the Senate. As of late 2025, the Trump Administration is no longer in office, but it remains a significant reference point in U.S. political discourse, especially as Trump is active in the Republican Party and a leading figure in the 2024 presidential race. The administration’s legacy continues to influence debates over economic policy, foreign relations, and the role of the executive branch.
Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician who has served as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States[1][3][5]. He is the only president since Grover Cleveland to be elected to two non-consecutive terms, winning the 2016 and 2024 elections and serving from 2017 to 2021, and again from 2025 onward[2][3][5]. Trump’s political rise marked a significant shift in American politics, as he positioned himself as a political outsider and won the Republican nomination in 2016, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton in the general election[1][5][6]. He was re-elected in 2024, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, with Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate[5]. Before entering politics, Trump was a prominent real estate developer, inheriting and expanding his family’s business into the Trump Organization, which includes hotels, casinos, golf courses, and branded products worldwide[1][3][6]. He gained broader fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015[1][5][6]. Trump has authored several books, including the best-selling *The Art of the Deal* (1987)[5][6]. During his first term, Trump pursued a conservative agenda, including significant tax cuts, deregulation, border security measures, and a hardline stance on immigration[1][4]. He appointed three Supreme Court justices and withdrew the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, while initiating a trade war with China[1]. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by mixed messaging and clashes with health officials[1]. Trump was impeached twice—in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and in 2021 for incitement of insurrection following the January 6 Capitol attack; he was acquitted by the Senate both times[1]. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump’s refusal to concede and claims of election fraud culminated in the Capitol riot and ongoing legal challenges[1][3]. Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025, at age 78, makes him the oldest person ever inaugurated for a second term[2]. His current administration has pledged to continue his previous policies, emphasizing border security, economic growth, and a rejection of what he terms “extremist” policies from the political left[4]. Trump remains a polarizing figure, with a strong base of support and equally vocal opposition, and his influence on the Republican Party and American politics endures[2][3].
About the Organizations Mentioned
federal court
The **federal court system** in the United States is a constitutionally established judiciary branch tasked with interpreting and applying federal law, resolving disputes involving the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and cases crossing state lines or involving significant sums of money. It operates independently from state courts and is one of the three branches of the federal government, alongside the legislative and executive branches, functioning under a system of checks and balances[1][2][4]. The federal judiciary primarily consists of three levels: **U.S. District Courts** (trial courts), **U.S. Courts of Appeals** (intermediate appellate courts), and the **U.S. Supreme Court** (the highest court). There are 94 District Courts spread across the states and territories, where federal cases—both civil and criminal—are initially tried. Appeals from district courts go to the 13 regional Courts of Appeals, which review the application of law but generally do not re-examine factual evidence. The Supreme Court serves as the ultimate arbiter, handling selected appeals and constitutional questions of national importance[1][2][5]. Historically, the federal judiciary was established by Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which mandates the Supreme Court and empowers Congress to create lower courts. Federal judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime appointments to maintain judicial independence and uphold the rule of law[1][6]. Noteworthy achievements of the federal court system include landmark rulings that have shaped civil rights, commerce, technology, and constitutional interpretation, profoundly influencing American society and governance. The courts also provide peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms essential for business and technology sectors, especially in intellectual property, contract law, and interstate commerce[2][4]. Today, the federal courts continue evolving with technological advancements, integrating digital case management and virtual hearings to improve efficiency and accessibility. They also include specialized courts like the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the Court of International Trade, handling specific types of cases related to federal contracts
