Thirteen years ago, Thelma moved from Tabasco, Mexico, to Vermont to join her father, who had relocated to the state five years earlier. Thelma’s family was already working on dairy farms in Vermont when she arrived. Since then, she has dedicated herself to helping undocumented immigrants secure their rights and protections. However, like many in Vermont’s migrant community, she is now anxious about her future in the place she has come to call home.
The concern stems from President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants. Recently, he announced plans to declare a national emergency and use military resources for a mass deportation initiative, as reported by the New York Times.
In 2022, approximately 11 million people were estimated to be undocumented in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center. While the exact number of undocumented individuals in Vermont is unclear, experts estimate it ranges from 500 to 1,500, with around 300 residing in Chittenden County.
Thelma expressed her fears about potential policy changes that could jeopardize the progress made in protecting the immigrant community. Speaking through a translator from Migrant Justice, she emphasized that years of advocacy work could be at risk due to Trump’s proposed policies. She requested to be identified only by her first name because of her concerns about deportation.
Experts warn that Trump’s immigration policies could have severe implications not just for individuals but also for Vermont’s food system, especially its dairy farms. Teresa Mares, an associate professor at the University of Vermont and author of “Life on the Other Border,” highlighted that many dairy farms have survived recent industry challenges largely due to immigrant labor. She warned that mass deportations could lead to a rapid decline in dairy operations.
Mares noted a disconnect between U.S. immigration and agricultural policies. Many farmworkers are undocumented and play a crucial role in food processing industries. A significant loss of these workers could create a labor shortage and drive up grocery prices. She emphasized the economic and humanitarian consequences of instilling fear within immigrant communities.
Despite their essential role in the food system, undocumented workers often lack protections and are vulnerable to political shifts. Mares explained that fear of deportation discourages workers from reporting poor conditions or seeking help.
Mares noted that migration from Mexico and Latin America to Vermont began in the late 1990s. Although state leaders have attempted to implement protections for undocumented immigrants, they face challenges due to the absence of legal pathways for agricultural work. The H2A visa program exists for seasonal labor but does not cover dairy farming.
Vermont officials have expressed skepticism about whether Trump’s mass deportation plans can be effectively executed due to logistical challenges. Additionally, some Republicans may oppose such measures since farming is vital in many red states that also rely on undocumented labor.
Governor Phil Scott has voiced support for border protection but criticized Trump’s blanket deportation strategy as unrealistic. He emphasized the need for Congress to develop a practical path forward for those living illegally in the U.S.
During his first term, Trump focused more on limiting legal immigration than on deporting undocumented individuals. Pablo Bose, a geography professor at the University of Vermont, pointed out that while Trump’s administration often highlighted issues related to undocumented workers, it prioritized legal migration reforms instead.
Vermont officials have indicated their intention to protect immigrants from potential federal enforcement actions. Previous measures include Act 5 from 2017, which restricts state agencies from sharing personal information with federal authorities regarding immigration status.
Advocacy groups like Migrant Justice and the ACLU of Vermont are pushing for stronger protections against local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agents. Governor Scott referenced past actions taken to safeguard immigrant communities but noted uncertainty about how Trump’s current proposals will unfold.
While Vermont may not be a primary target for mass deportations due to its smaller immigrant population, experts caution that no area is immune from potential sweeps under Trump’s administration.
Abby, another immigrant from Tabasco who now lives in Orwell, expressed her fears about being uprooted after establishing her life in Vermont. She highlighted the struggles faced by families like hers who have worked hard to build their lives in this state.
Thelma echoed these sentiments, stating that beyond economic implications, there are profound emotional and physical impacts when individuals are targeted based on their identity. She urged Vermonters to remember the human aspect of these policies and recognize the contributions that immigrants make within their communities.
“I want readers to go beyond just thinking about what impact this will have in an economic sense and remember the humans,” Thelma said. “When people are targeted because of who they are, that has a real impact.”
Related topics:
- Utah Governor Backs Trump’s Bold Plan to Intensify Deportations of Criminal Immigrants
- Are 300,000 Migrant Children in the U.S. Unaccounted For?
- Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan: A Recipe for Economic Chaos
