PROVIDENCE – Tatyana Tsangarakis-Almeida, the director of citizenship and immigration services at Dorcas International, has seen an increase in questions from concerned immigrants. Recently, one inquiry during an event at Central Falls City Hall left her taken aback.
“We received a question: Will my children’s U.S. citizenship be taken away? These are children born in the U.S.,” she said. “It was an unbelievable question, but one that reflects growing anxiety among immigrant families.”
The question stems from President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to issue an executive order on his first day in office. Trump has vowed to end birthright citizenship, a policy that grants U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil, even if their parents are undocumented immigrants.
However, immigration experts have pointed out that such an order would face immediate legal challenges. Birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1898. Repealing it would require a change in the law through Congress, not just an executive action.
Trump has also proposed a national emergency declaration to deploy the U.S. Army to carry out mass deportations. Immigration advocates have questioned the feasibility of this plan, citing economic and logistical concerns.
Another concern raised by Tsangarakis-Almeida involves rumors that U.S. citizens who obtained their citizenship through lawful means could face denaturalization. She emphasized that denaturalization is a lengthy process that requires significant evidence, such as identity fraud or involvement in serious criminal activities like terrorism.
Despite potential legal roadblocks, many of Trump’s immigration proposals are creating fear and uncertainty among immigrants, both documented and undocumented, in Rhode Island.
“Because of all the proposed policies and the threatening way they are being discussed, it’s causing a lot of misconceptions and fear,” Tsangarakis-Almeida said.
Since the election, Dorcas International, a nonprofit that helps immigrants in Rhode Island, has seen an uptick in calls from concerned community members seeking immigration advice. Staff have found themselves not only providing legal counsel but also combating misinformation.
“A lot of what is being proposed would violate the law,” Tsangarakis-Almeida said. “Immigration lawyers are ready to challenge these policies in court. But in the meantime, our communities are living in fear.”
Immigration attorneys, such as Jessica Vasquez of Progreso Latino, are reminding immigrants of their basic rights under U.S. law. Tsangarakis-Almeida adds that U.S. citizens and legal residents should not worry, as their status is protected by law. While the president can change policies through executive orders, only Congress can pass new immigration laws.
Undocumented immigrants, while lacking the same legal protections, still have rights. For example, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents must obtain a judge’s search warrant before entering a home. Immigrants also have the right to remain silent and request an attorney if questioned by authorities.
Organizations like Dorcas International are holding “Know Your Rights” seminars to educate immigrants about their legal options.
While many of Trump’s proposals may face legal challenges, some advocates are preparing for worst-case scenarios. Cecily Ziegler, a staff attorney at Dorcas International, has been advising clients to prepare for potential changes in immigration law.
“For those who can, apply for a change of status, like becoming a legal resident,” Ziegler said. “We are also helping undocumented parents of U.S. citizen children prepare legal documents for family emergencies.”
Ziegler and Tsangarakis-Almeida both urge immigrants to seek advice from trusted organizations, such as Dorcas International and Progreso Latino, rather than relying on unreliable sources like social media.
“We always tell people, avoid getting immigration advice on TikTok,” Tsangarakis-Almeida said.
As concerns grow over potential changes to policies like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Ziegler expressed worry that Trump’s second term could lack the legal safeguards that were present during his first term.
“Last time, there were some people on staff saying, ‘No, that’s illegal,’” Ziegler said. “But we don’t know if those safeguards will be in place this time.”
Immigration remains a contentious issue in U.S. politics, but Tsangarakis-Almeida wants Rhode Islanders to remember that immigrants are an integral part of the community. Many immigrants contribute significantly to the local economy and workforce.
“They have families, networks, and hold jobs that are critical to the economy,” Tsangarakis-Almeida said. “A mass deportation would disrupt not only immigrant families but entire industries that depend on their labor.”
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