Immigration Crackdown: How Immigrants Are Preparing for Trump’s Policies
The apprehensive grip that the Immigration Crackdown has left immigrants at large is an uncertainty as President-elect Donald Trump begins advancing his proposed policies, causing widespread fear. He plans to increase deportations and restrict legal immigration, which is leaving many rushing to secure their statuses and protect their families. It ranges from seeking legal advice through fast-tracked marriages as immigrants take measures to mitigate the impact these new changes may have on them.
The Soaring Fear Among Immigrants
Sharply stepped up Immigration enforcement is causing shockwaves in immigrant communities and has been seen increasingly by immigrants of all legal statuses as a harbinger of danger to their future. In Ohio, for example, an immigration lawyer, Inna Simakovsky, said that her practice is overwhelmed by consultations from foreign-born residents who want to explore options for protection.
Legal permanent residents, or green card holders, are rushing toward citizenship; those who are undocumented are applying for asylum or rushing to get married to a U.S. citizen. DACA recipients have the most uncertainty because the program remains vulnerable to legal and political challenges.
DACA and the Quest for Permanency
For many young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, DACA has been a lifeline. However, Trump’s proposed policies threaten to dismantle this protection. Yaneth Campuzano, a software engineer in Houston, is one such individual taking swift action. With her fiancé, an American citizen, she has expedited their marriage plans to secure her status.
Similarly, DACA recipient Vinchenzo Marinero is renewing his status and exploring sponsorship opportunities with his employer. Like many others, he fears losing his job and stability if DACA protections are rolled back.
Advocate groups have made proactive efforts.
Nonprofits and advocacy groups are organizing to educate immigrants about their rights as well as prepare them for any potential interaction with immigration authorities. “Know your rights” sessions, for example, are being organized for farmworkers in California by the TODEC Legal Center, among other vulnerable groups. Such an event will expose the individuals to essential information, for instance, how to cope with a workplace raid, as well as care arrangements when children are placed in detention.
Universities Reach out to Students
Colleges and universities are responding as well. The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, has issued a travel advisory to its international students; it advises them not to travel during this time of the presidential transition. Wesleyan University issued an advisory stating that students should not travel until further notice. Some universities are even looking into sponsoring work visas for DACA recipients to provide a more stable alternative.
A Call to Action
Immigrants are acting fast, making the most of the resources presented before them to secure their futures. There is a sense of urgency while the changes about immigration policy are being made. Community and legal minds and institutions have been galvanized by fears of mass deportations.
As the future may continue to pose strong and grave problems, active management coupled with community support would give hope to immigrants during this stormy weather.
Conclusion
As the United States awaits the change that the Trump administration is bringing about regarding immigration, the strength of will that the immigrant community has shown cannot go unnoticed. From lawyers offering legal aid to grassroots advocates, what is being done today will be what shapes the lives of millions tomorrow.
