Immigration Activists Prepare for Trump’s Possible Return to Power

WASHINGTON — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, immigration advocates and civil rights organizations are bracing for a renewed crackdown on immigration policies reminiscent of his earlier term. Advocates are mobilizing to address Trump’s promises, which include mass deportations and reinstating controversial policies.

One of Trump’s initial actions is expected to be the termination of humanitarian parole programs, which have allowed over a million immigrants to live and work legally in the U.S. since 2021. These programs could face immediate changes once he assumes office.

The potential reintroduction of previous policies looms large, with plans to reinstigate travel bans affecting predominantly Muslim countries and enforce the “Remain in Mexico” policy, compelling asylum seekers to wait in Mexico as their claims are processed. Immigration organizations are gearing up for what they anticipate will be a tumultuous period following Inauguration Day.

Sirine Shebaya, executive director of the National Immigration Project, articulated the fears many feel as the political landscape shifts. “We recognize that many are feeling terrified about what the next four years will bring. While we cannot stop all the harms from coming to pass, we say to everyone facing harm: we are here to do everything in our power to support and protect each other,” she stated.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which previously opposed some of Trump’s harsher policies, is readying for legal battles from day one. They have shared their intent to challenge any immigration measures reminiscent of past practices. Greisa Martínez Rosas, leader of United We Dream, expressed awareness of the challenges ahead, emphasizing the urgent need to unify the pro-immigrant movement against such policies.

The deportation process could start promptly, potentially affecting 37,395 individuals currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Additionally, expanding expedited removals threatens to accelerate deportations of those without permanent legal status. Previously, the geographic scope of such removals was broadened, which might happen again under the new administration. The Migration Policy Institute estimated that this expansion could implicate around 288,000 individuals.

Tom Homan, former ICE acting director, clarified that deportations would be targeted rather than random sweeps. “It’s not gonna be a mass sweep of neighborhoods,” he explained, indicating that enforcement would be based on intelligence.

The financial implications of mass deportations cannot be overlooked. The American Immigration Council projected that removing around 13 million undocumented immigrants could cost approximately $968 billion over the next decade. The costs associated with arrests, detention, and legal processing would extend well beyond initial expectations, necessitating Congressional approval for funding.

As Trump confronts legislative challenges, it remains unclear whether he will navigate a divided or unified Congress. While Republicans have secured control of the Senate, the House remains too close to call. This outcome will shape the feasibility of his measures.

Economic consequences also warrant attention. Experts warn that mass deportations could have far-reaching effects on the labor market. Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council, highlighted the potential devastation to industries reliant on undocumented workers. “It’s critical that policymakers and the American public understand what this would involve: tens of billions of taxpayer dollars, already-strained industries devastated, millions of people locked up in detention, and thousands of families torn apart causing widespread terror and chaos in communities across the country,” he stated.

According to the American Immigration Council, households led by undocumented immigrants contributed $75.6 billion in taxes in 2022. The Pew Research Center estimates that unauthorized immigrants make up approximately 4.8% of the U.S. workforce.

Last updated 12:47 p.m., Nov. 7, 2024