As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, uncertainty looms over immigrant communities, particularly those affected by his promises of sweeping immigration reforms.
Yajaira Uribe, a DACA recipient, expressed her anxiety about the future. “It’s been tough,” Uribe said. “You don’t know if you’re going to have another day. With President Trump in office, I don’t know if my DACA status will be revoked.”
This sense of apprehension is widespread within the community. Many fear the impact of Trump’s immigration policies, which remain unclear but are expected to include mass deportations, an end to birthright citizenship, and enhanced border security. His recent nomination of Tom Homan as “border czar” has only heightened speculation.
Cesar Espinoza, Executive Director of FIEL Houston, a non-profit serving immigrant families, says his organization has been flooded with concerned questions from the community. “People are asking, ‘What’s going to happen now? Am I safe? Will I be deported?’ Unfortunately, our answer is still, ‘We don’t know,'” Espinoza said.
While some undocumented individuals support Trump for his economic policies, others are deeply worried about the implications of his immigration plans. “A lot of people voted for Trump. We even have undocumented individuals who say, ‘I support Donald Trump because of the economy,’” Espinoza noted. “But when it comes to immigration, they don’t want to discuss it.”
Uribe, originally from Mexico, has lived in the U.S. for 23 years and fears how Trump’s presidency might affect her. “It’s a little bit scary because I’ve been here most of my life, and now I don’t know what will happen,” she said.
Amid growing concern, immigration advocates and attorneys are advising individuals with mixed immigration status to seek legal advice and prepare for potential changes.
With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, as well as the White House, experts predict that immigration policy changes under the new administration could be unprecedented. As the transition to Trump’s presidency approaches, immigrant communities remain on edge, watching closely as policy details unfold.
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