As the holiday season approaches, anxiety is rising in some Cincinnati neighborhoods, particularly among immigrant families who fear the potential for mass deportations. Many are reaching out to local service agencies and immigration attorneys, seeking reassurance and advice on how to prepare for the uncertain future.
For many of these families, the concern extends to their children, who attend local public schools. Common questions being asked by immigrants include: “Will my child be taken from school?” “Will I be safe at home or work?”
Local organizations, like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, are receiving an unusually high volume of calls, a marked change from the past. Francesca Phillis, supervisor of the Stable Families Program at Santa Maria Community Services, said immigrant families in Price Hill are especially worried. Phillis and her team provide daily necessities like food, clothing, and toys for children, but this holiday season, the uncertainty surrounding potential deportations is creating additional stress.
“The families are feeling more unstable now,” Phillis said. “They don’t know what to expect in 2025. They don’t know if they’ll be sent home or how to prepare if that happens.”
As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration nears, there is growing concern about his promises to begin a deportation agenda. While the details remain unclear, many families are fearful of what the future may hold.
According to immigration lawyer George Fee, one piece of advice for families is to keep at least $1,000 to $1,500 in cash available, in case someone is detained and needs to post bond. He also urged families to avoid carrying false documentation, which could complicate their situation.
Data from the American Immigration Council reveals that in Ohio, more than 67,700 U.S. citizens live with at least one undocumented family member. The state’s immigrant population is estimated to be 17.9% undocumented, roughly 103,900 people. In the Cincinnati metropolitan area, foreign-born individuals make up 5.8% of the population, totaling around 130,704 residents.
For immigrant students, the challenges extend beyond legal concerns. Many face bullying and isolation due to their parents’ immigration status. Phillis explained that these students often struggle to navigate the public education system, adding another layer of difficulty to their lives.
While Trump’s plans for deportations remain unclear, immigration lawyer Christopher Pogue believes the public fear may be exaggerated. “What you’re seeing is a lot of fearmongering,” Pogue said. “It’s a tactic to encourage self-deportation.” He noted that millions of people are already in immigration court, facing a severe backlog with only hundreds of judges available to handle their cases.
In light of these uncertainties, lawyers like Fee stress the importance of preparation. “It’s essential to have your immigration attorney’s contact information readily available,” he said. “Make sure someone in your family or community knows who to contact if you don’t return home.”
As Christmas draws near, organizations like Santa Maria Community Services are feeling the strain. Phillis emphasized the importance of supporting immigrant families during this time. “They contribute to our local and state taxes, and they’re valuable members of our community,” she said. “They don’t cause harm, and I hope the public shows more compassion toward them.”
Santa Maria Community Services also reiterated their commitment to helping all families, regardless of their immigration status. A spokesperson said, “In times of political debate, especially around issues that affect immigrant communities, our commitment remains steady. We welcome all people to access our programs and services, from education to health and wellness. This strengthens families, fortifies our community, and provides stability during uncertain times.”
As the holidays approach, local immigrant families are holding on to hope, seeking support and guidance during a time of heightened fear and uncertainty.
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