As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his plans for mass deportation are causing significant concern for millions of immigrants living in the U.S.
During his final rally of the presidential race at Madison Square Garden, Trump made a bold statement: “On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history.” His pledge to remove undocumented immigrants has sparked fears about how this will impact individuals, families, and local communities.
According to the American Immigration Council, approximately 13 million undocumented immigrants currently reside in the United States. The looming threat of mass deportations has raised serious questions about the future of these individuals, especially in sanctuary cities like Cincinnati.
Cincinnati’s Sanctuary City Status
In 2017, Cincinnati officially declared itself a sanctuary city, meaning immigrants in the city can live without the fear of deportation while they work toward citizenship. This status has provided some protection to those navigating the immigration process, but Trump’s proposed deportation plans are now putting that safety in question.
Trump’s Deportation Strategy
Trump’s plan for mass deportation involves mobilizing the National Guard and possibly deploying thousands of U.S. military troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. This would require relocating approximately 300,000 government employees, according to a report from the American Immigration Council.
In a recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump reiterated his intent to “declare a national emergency” and use military resources to carry out his deportation program, following statements from conservative activist Tom Fitton.
These drastic plans have raised concerns about their feasibility and the potential impact on both undocumented immigrants and legal residents of the U.S.
Impact on Immigrant Students
While Trump’s plans mainly target those living along the U.S.-Mexico border, they also raise concerns for immigrants across the country, especially students. According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, more than 400,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in higher education in the U.S.
However, not all immigrants are directly affected by changes along the border. Ron Cushing, the director of international services at the University of Cincinnati, explained that legal student visa holders, including those on J-1 visas, can continue their studies as long as they meet all program requirements, such as maintaining a full course load and following employment restrictions.
“We haven’t yet seen what changes the incoming administration might make to legal immigration policies affecting student visa holders,” Cushing said.
Support for At-Risk Immigrants
For many immigrants, especially those without legal status, the fear of deportation is a constant concern. Fortunately, several local organizations are offering resources to help immigrants navigate these uncertain times.
Cincinnati Compass, a nonprofit that supports the economic and social inclusion of migrants, provides career development resources and hosts community-building events. The organization collaborates with local partners, including the University of Cincinnati and the City of Cincinnati, to assist immigrants in the region.
The Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, established in 2018, offers pro bono legal services to low-income immigrant and refugee families in the Cincinnati area, helping them navigate the complex legal landscape.
While the future of U.S. immigration policy remains uncertain, these local organizations are working to ensure that immigrants have the support and resources they need to protect themselves and their families.
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