Biden, signing the orders
United State’s 46th president, Joe Biden signed 17 executive orders shortly after his inauguration, it has been learnt.
According to agency reports, nine of the executive orders reversed some controversial policies of his immediate predecessor, Donald Trump, while the others outline Biden’s own new policies.
Following are the orders which altogether would define the policy thrust of the new administration. They are executive orders on:
Mask/coronavirus
This mandates the use of masks and physical distancing in federal buildings, on federal lands and by government contractors, and urges states and local governments to do the same.
WHO
This stops the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) as earlier directed by Trump.
COVID-19 response
This creates the position of COVID-19 Response Coordinator who will report directly to Biden and manage efforts to produce and distribute vaccines and medical equipment.
Nationwide moratorium
This order extends the existing nationwide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until at least March 31.
Student loan
This extends the existing pause on student loan payments and interest for Americans with federal student loans until at least September 30.
Paris climate accord
Reversing Trump’s decision, this order rejoins the Paris climate accord, a process that will take 30 days.
Keystone XL pipeline
This cancels the Keystone XL pipeline and directs agencies to review and reverse more than 100 Trump actions on the environment.
Racial equity
This rescinds the Trump administration’s 1776 Commission, directs agencies to review their actions to ensure racial equity.
Gender equity
This prevents workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Executive order on census
This requires non-citizens to be included in the Census and apportionment of congressional representatives, reversing another Trump’s policy.
Immigration
This fortifies the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) after Trump’s efforts to undo protections for undocumented people brought into the country as children.
Passport holders
This reverses the Trump administration’s restrictions on US entry for passport holders from seven Muslim-majority countries.
Immigration enforcement
This reverses Trump’s expansion of immigration enforcement within the United States.
Border wall
This halts construction of the border wall by terminating the national emergency declaration used to fund it.
Deportation
This order extends deferrals of deportation and work authorisations for Liberians with a safe haven in the United States until June 30, 2022.
Ethics
This requires executive branch appointees to sign an ethics pledge barring them from acting in personal interest and requiring them to uphold the independence of the Department of Justice.
Regulation
This directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director to develop recommendations to modernize regulatory review and undoes Trump’s regulatory approval process.
