With Donald Trump back on the scene as President-elect, the United States is once again on edge about immigration policy, particularly as advocacy groups prepare for what many believe will be some of the most aggressive deportation tactics seen to date. Just days following his election victory, just as immigrants and their families were starting to regain some semblance of normalcy after years of tumultuous experiences, there's palpable fear spreading across immigrant communities from coast to coast.
Taking center stage are Trump's promises to revive the hardline immigration policies he enacted during his first term, causing significant anxiety not just among immigrants but also among many Americans who believe these measures could have broad consequences for the country.
Among the immediate concerns following Trump's victory is the reintroduction of various deportation tactics, which experts predict could include mass deportations of millions of undocumented individuals. These measures are anticipated to include the expansion of expedited removals and resumption of the controversial 'Remain in Mexico' policy, which forces would-be asylum seekers to stay south of the border until their claims are processed. Sirine Shebaya, the executive director of the National Immigration Project, stated, “We recognize many are feeling terrified about what the next four years will bring.”
Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are already preparing for legal challenges right from Trump’s first day back in office. Activists are organizing to create what they describe as the largest pro-immigrant movement the country has ever seen, hoping to counter what they see as threats to democracy and the livelihoods of millions. “We will use and grow our power to new heights...,” said Greisa Martínez Rosas, executive director of United We Dream, articulately capturing the struggle lying ahead for many immigrant advocates.
Deportations have long been at the forefront of Trump's immigration rhetoric. During his previous term, he oversaw deportations at unprecedented levels, and his promises now suggest he may pursue even wider net removals. Currently, around 37,000 individuals are being held under the watch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and it’s predicted this number could dramatically increase as more families find themselves targeted.
Tom Homan, who served as acting ICE director, recently revealed the shift would not be as chaotic as some expect, emphasizing Trump’s approach would focus on targeted arrests rather than sweeping, indiscriminate raids. Still, many remain unconvinced, anxious about how federal enforcement may affect their lives.
Along with the humanitarian repercussions, economic impacts loom large. A study by the American Immigration Council laid out staggering estimates, projecting it would cost the U.S. at least $968 billion to deport the approximately 13 million undocumented people currently living here. This figure encompasses costs associated with arrests, detentions, legal processes, and physical removals. Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the Council, noted, “Should any president choose to pursue mass deportation, it would come at extraordinary cost to the government, devastating the economy.”
California, home to the highest percentage of unauthorized immigrants, stands particularly to face the consequences of such policies. Over half of workers there hail from immigrant households, with unauthorized immigrants contributing nearly $8.5 billion to state taxes and playing central roles across various industries. Gov. Gavin Newsom indicated the potential fallout, saying, “If Donald Trump is successful with deportations, no state will be more impacted from a fiscal perspective.”
Immigrant advocates across various states are bracing for the changes Trump may bring. Amidst the uncertainty, Mayor of Philadelphia Cherelle L. Parker expressed concern over Trump's threats to sanctuary cities, echoing the worries expressed by many community leaders. Despite fully knowing the financial and social turmoil such policies could wreak on local communities, she assured, “We will make sure we are prepared.” Meanwhile, Philadelphia has become increasingly known as one of the nation’s sanctuary cities, where undocumented families found refuge during Trump’s first presidency.
Visibly shaken by the election outcome, many immigrants have begun gathering and calling upon established advocacy organizations for assistance. From shelters to churches throughout urban centers, community support systems are galvanizing to shield vulnerable populations from the impending turmoil. Rev. Renee McKenzie, who provided sanctuary for immigrants during the previous administration, anticipates her doors will once again be utilized as safe havens for displaced families. “People will turn to the church,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of such foundations to the safety of immigrant communities.
Officials north of the border aren't sitting idle either. Canada is on 'high alert,' under the assumption many displaced individuals may seek refuge there should conditions worsen under Trump's policies. Seeking to avoid the large migrant influx witnessed during Trump's last term, Canadian agencies are actively working to manage their borders should circumstances escalate.
With some fearing the onset of violent incidents as tensions escalate surrounding immigration, experts warn against potential ramifications for all U.S. citizens as well. Petty restrictions could ensue as government officials extend surveillance and policing efforts, which could lead to increased apprehensions of migrants and citizens alike. There’s genuine concern among citizens about becoming entangled in the increased oversight and scrutiny which could result from these mass deportations.
New York, where over 400,000 undocumented migrants currently reside, is feeling the tremors. City officials are scrambling to determine how aggressive deportation measures would affect those currently seeking asylum. Community members have begun organizing demonstrations as they anticipate what Trump’s plans will precisely entail. Edwin Tito, who has lived as undocumented for two years, shared the uncertainty, “I don’t have papers… people are nervous they are going to come and take... from their work sites.”
While signs of discontent grow stronger, immigrants and community leaders alike are vowing to organize, resist, and challenge whatever may arise from Trump’s renewed approach to immigration policy. Through advocacy, public demonstrations, and legal action, the driving force is clear among these groups: they will fight to protect immigrants’ rights and push against what they deem as unjust governmental actions. The stakes are undeniably high, and only time will reveal what’s next for the United States and its significant immigrant population.
