PETALUMA, Calif. (KGO) – Immigrant communities in the North Bay are expressing growing concern over President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to carry out large-scale deportations once in office. In response to these fears, a local nonprofit has launched a new program to help families prepare, offering crucial advice and information.
After Sunday services at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Petaluma, many attendees made their way to a free session focused on knowing their rights. Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa is hosting a series of these presentations in both Spanish and English to help the immigrant community understand what to expect under Trump’s upcoming presidency.
Trump has vowed, “On day one, I will launch the largest deportation in history to get the criminals out.”
For many immigrants, the idea of deportation is causing confusion and anxiety. Teresa Marcelino from Catholic Charities said that many people are feeling stressed about the future. “The first thing we tell them is to stay calm,” Marcelino explained.
Catholic Charities’ immigration services have been flooded with calls from individuals seeking answers about possible deportations. Marcelino reassured attendees, telling them that the chances of encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are low. However, she emphasized the importance of knowing their rights in case of an encounter.
Attendees are given cards outlining what to do and say if detained by federal agents. One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her concerns about her parents’ immigration status and was grateful for the support.
“I think it’s important for us Hispanics, because it gives us a space to talk and explore the possibilities of obtaining legal status,” she said.
Marcelino added that many legal permanent residents are seeking to apply for citizenship, and Catholic Charities is assisting with this process.
As uncertainty looms, Catholic Charities is planning seven more informational sessions across Sonoma County before the end of the year to continue supporting the immigrant community.
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