The recent Ethnic Media Services briefing on November 15 shed light on how the Trump administration’s policies could impact immigrant communities, legal immigrants, and naturalized citizens. The discussion focused on the potential consequences of mass deportations, logistical challenges, financial implications, and the societal impact of such actions.
The panelists highlighted the significant challenges associated with mass deportations, including the lack of resources and capacity within the Department of Homeland Security. Jeremy Robbins, from the American Immigration Council, pointed out the need for a whole new set of judges and travel arrangements to deport millions of people, which could cost about $315 billion.
Greg Chen, from the American Immigration Lawyers Association, raised concerns about potential civil rights violations due to inadequate training of law enforcement personnel. He emphasized the economic impact of mass deportations on industries reliant on migrant labor, such as businesses in Yuma County, Arizona.
Elizabeth Taufa, from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, discussed the emotional and psychological impact of mass deportations on communities, particularly children and families. She highlighted the potential unraveling of American communities, especially in rural areas.
Julia Gillette, from the Migration Policy Institute, pointed out that local policies and cooperation with ICE could influence the level of deportations in a community. She also discussed the challenges asylum seekers could face under the Trump administration’s policies.
The financial implications of mass deportations were a significant concern, with estimated costs of $315 billion for a one-time mass deportation. Chen emphasized the challenges in hiring and training new immigration enforcement officers and the potential need for increased detention facilities and immigration court proceedings.
The potential changes to legal immigration and temporary status under the Trump administration could impact immigrants of all types, including the cancellation of DACA and TPS. Robbins warned that immigrants would face challenges navigating the system due to increased requests for evidence and backlogs at USCIS.
Gillette discussed the economic impact of immigration policies, including the potential for increased inflation and unemployment due to the loss of immigrant workers. She emphasized the importance of legal immigration for the American economy and the need for more resources to assist the community.
Robbins also touched on the issue of birthright citizenship and naturalization, highlighting Trump’s desire to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. He mentioned the challenges associated with changing the 14th Amendment and potential implications for cases like Plyler vs. Doe.
Overall, the discussion at the briefing highlighted the complex and far-reaching consequences of the Trump administration’s immigration policies on immigrant communities, legal immigrants, and naturalized citizens. The panelists emphasized the need for increased resources, training, and support to navigate the changing landscape of immigration policy in the United States.
