The American Council of Immigration does not approve or oppose candidates for elected offices. We aim to provide an analysis of the impact of elections on the US immigration system.
The first weeks of President Trump’s second term have led to increased enforcement of federal immigration, elimination of safeguards like sensitive places, and greater immigration policies. I encountered a lot of changes and my level of fear increased.
Nevertheless, many communities continue to show up to each other in large and small ways to protect their neighbors, loved ones and their homes.
“Immigrant-free days” and other actions
Various voices have been organized to push back and shine the spotlight of recent enforcement actions, including efforts to implement massive deportations, from business communities to grassroots groups.
All over the United States, businesses participated in a “Immigration-free Day” on February 3rd. Day sales have been suspended in places like Twin City, Minnesota. Houston, Texas. Salt Lake City, Utah highlighted the devastating consequences of massive deportation on businesses, communities and the economy.
The grassroots efforts have organized protests to support immigrants and refugees across the country, from Texas and Idaho to Missouri, Arizona and even more places in between. Even as community members became increasingly hostile to the immigrant community, community members pushed for their support.
Local law enforcement officials also continue to pledge to serve the good of a larger community, emphasizing the importance of cultivating and maintaining public trust between law enforcement and the immigrant community. . In North Carolina communities, for example, sheriffs are opposed to the state’s recent decision to work with U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). They emphasized that the main command of local law enforcement is to protect and serve the community, rather than instilling fear.
Communities build and strengthen safeguards
Many community leaders and residents are taking additional concrete actions to protect immigrant neighbors and communities.
The community shares information to help residents know and understand their rights. Like the state branch of the ACLU, local groups have also compiled a guide on how to interact with the ice. Others continue to create or maintain legal funds to provide legal services to some immigrant groups. Many states, local, schools, and community-based organizations have issued clear guidance and protections to help children and their families focus on sending their children to school and getting a quality education. The community has worked hard to amplify or create residents’ resources, including Louis’s rapid response line that connects individuals with legal resources, connects real-time support, and document potential immigration enforcement actions. Ta.
The action doesn’t stop there. Over the past week, a lawsuit was filed challenging an executive order that halts US refugee enrollment programs and freezes funds for refugee resettlement services. The faith community also filed a lawsuit against policies that retract protected areas, saying the new policy has made places of worship a breach of fear of religious freedom.
Although there is still a long way to go, the community shows they are ready to push back with lawsuits, protests and protection laws (or counterattacks against harmful bills) to advocate for immigrants and all community residents . Companies continue to amplify the direct harm that new policies will have on their industries, including all Americans, such as the agriculture and the dairy industry.
Through all this, our neighbors not only reminded each other of the social and economic mistrust of the Trump administration’s immigration policy, but also showed caring for their immigrant and refugee neighbors. Many people show up in their communities and work to ensure that everyone can live a safe, secure and stable life in pursuit of opportunities.
Submitted: deportation, immigration, customs enforcement, Trump administration
