This executive order creates a process to designate certain drug cartels and criminal gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. Such designations could provide a pretext for the Administration to use sweeping national security or military authorities in Latin America, along the border, and in immigration matters – including possibly against American citizens. It could also disqualify many asylum seekers from getting asylum, since it is almost impossible for asylum seekers from Latin America to complete their dangerous journey to the United States without paying a fee to cartels.