The Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policies on Children and Vulnerable Groups
Under the looming shadow of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office, immigrant advocates are bracing for what they fear could be troubling times for some of society's most vulnerable—the children. For many, including immigration attorneys, the anticipation of more stringent immigration policies is sparking anxiety, particularly around the protection of migrant children.
Jennifer Walker Gates, based in Austin and specializing in migrant children’s asylum applications, expressed her deep concerns. "This is a group of individuals who are incredibly vulnerable and have no power politically," Gates remarked, stressing the precarious position such children find themselves in under potentially harsher policies. With Trump’s party controlling both chambers of Congress, advocates believe the rollbacks on protections for both migrant and U.S. citizen children could lead to catastrophic results.
One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s previous term was the family separation policy initiated under the administration’s “zero tolerance” approach, which strained relationships and caused heartbreak for thousands. Videos of small children crying for their parents became emblematic of the distress caused by strict enforcement actions at the border. Lawsuits—including significant actions from the American Civil Liberties Union—helped to push back against this separatist policy, leading to its eventual rescindment. Yet the fear now is not only the reinstatement of such policies but potentially worse implementations.
Historically, the legal framework meant to protect unaccompanied minors, like the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), safeguards minors from being detained and encourages their swift transfer to the Department of Health and Human Services. But with Trump back in office, proposals have emerged to roll back these protections completely. According to Gates, this could result in children being treated as adults under immigration law, amplifying their vulnerabilities.
Talking about the pending policies, Lee Gelernt, attorney with the ACLU, pointed out the grim reality; as many as 5,500 families may already have faced separation, and previously instituted settlements from key lawsuits might be ignored. With Trump’s new appointee, Tom Homan, known for supporting the zero-tolerance approach, he has expressed intentions to prioritize saving children smuggled by cartels but has also signaled support for family separations, raising alarm bells for advocates.
The push for mass deportations under Trump could certainly compound the problems. Immigrant advocates are concerned about how such policies might split families apart—deporting one or both parents, leaving children as U.S. citizens to fend for themselves. Neha Desai, who specializes in children’s rights at the National Center for Youth Law, explained, "Family separation can take many forms," emphasizing the psychological toll such decisions can have on children.
Studies have indicated the long-lasting effects of family separations. Charles Nelson, professor of pediatrics at Harvard, noted, "The worry here is short-term harm, then long-term harm," referring particularly to the generational trauma inflicted by such policies. This sentiment has gained traction as immigrant communities prepare for what could be another seismic shift under Trump's renewed administration.
Much of the conversation around Trump's return has also centered on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has helped protect approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. With his administration previously seeking to dismantle DACA, this creates uncertainty for many young immigrants about their futures. Lindsey Harris, whose firm assists DACA applicants, shared feelings of apprehension shared by her clients since the recent election, indicating dire expectations about what legal protections might survive.
Councilmember Rue Landau from Philadelphia recently prompted city council to review the impacts of Trump's administration on immigrant communities, highlighting fears about potential rollbacks on existing protections. She noted the city’s commitment to safeguard vulnerable populations, vividly stating, "He’s already shown and hinted at policies detrimental to our communities." There’s also worry about how such policies might play out at the local level, particularly how they could impact Philadelphia’s immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.
Overall, with the renewed focus on tougher immigration policies, advocates and policymakers alike are preparing for larger repercussions than simply deportations or separations. The fear is of trying to navigate and survive through the tumultuous changes ensured under Trump’s old but revived mantra. The stakes are high, and for the children at the heart of the matter, it might just mean the difference between security and vulnerability as the new administration takes the reins once more.
With the hearing scheduled by the Philadelphia City Council, they hope to stave off the worst impacts of these anticipated policies. Advocates and community leaders stress the importance of preparedness and unity against what could become one of the most challenging times for children seeking refuge and safety within U.S. borders.
Both local and nation-wide, the eye is on the future as Trump sets forth plans to fulfill his tough immigration promises. Now more than ever, the voices of those advocating for children’s rights must rise, demanding not just responses, but tangible proactive measures to protect society's most vulnerable.
