3
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office next month, Utah’s immigrant community is expressing concern about their future in the U.S. With over 300,000 immigrants living in the state, many are worried about the potential impacts of Trump’s promised immigration policies, particularly his plan to launch the “largest deportation program of criminals” in U.S. history on his first day in office, January 20, 2025.
Nationally, there are more than 13 million undocumented immigrants, and Trump has vowed to remove what he describes as “criminals” from the country. However, Emmie Gardner, executive director of Holy Cross Ministries, a nonprofit organization serving Utah’s immigrant community, is working to raise awareness about the realities of undocumented residents.
“I think we can all agree that we want a safe community,” Gardner said. “We agree with the president and our governor who support him. Yes, let’s arrest criminals. But the reality is, over 90% of the 13 million undocumented people in the U.S. have no criminal record.”
These figures, according to the nonprofit American Immigration Council, are based on data from state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Census surveys. The Council’s reports highlight immigrants’ impact on the economy, population, and criminal justice system.
While being undocumented is a violation of federal law, Gardner emphasizes that most immigrants are simply trying to provide a better life for their families or flee dangerous situations. “They see the U.S. as a land of opportunity, and many hope to find a legal path to stay here,” she said. “Most would prefer that over living in fear or uncertainty.”
In response to the growing anxiety, two informational sessions have been scheduled to assist immigrants. The first, a “Know Your Rights” session, will be held by the Wasatch Immigration Project on Monday, December 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Christian Center of Park City. The second event, a legal clinic, will be hosted by the Utah Immigration Advocacy Coalition on Saturday, December 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sorenson Unity Center in Salt Lake City.
Gardner stressed the importance of approaching the situation with compassion and understanding. “These people have made this place their home,” she said. “We must find a humane way to keep families together and help them find a path to legal status so they can continue to live here.”
Immigrants in Utah contribute significantly to the state’s economy, paying $2.5 billion in taxes and providing essential services. Gardner warns that deporting such a large portion of the population would devastate the state’s economy. “Immigrant spending power in Utah is over $8.3 billion,” she explained. “If that disappears, what will that mean for the state?”
Gardner also expressed concern about recent legislation in Congress. HR 9495, passed by the U.S. House in November, could give the Treasury Secretary the power to shut down tax-exempt organizations on accusations of supporting terrorism. Critics argue that this bill could allow the president to target political opponents, nonprofits, and other groups without sufficient evidence.
As the political landscape changes, the future of Utah’s immigrant community remains uncertain, but Gardner and Holy Cross Ministries continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of those affected.
Related topics:
- Trump Appoints Immigration Hard-Liner Kari Lake to Lead Voice of America
- New Poll Reveals Widespread Support for Treating Immigrants with Dignity
- Biden Under Intense Pressure to Safeguard Immigrants Before Trump Returns to Power
