Immigrants Anxious as Trump’s Second Term Promises Stricter Policies

Immigrants across the U.S. are facing an uncertain future as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, promising stricter immigration measures, including mass deportations and potential workplace raids. Immigration attorney Raed Gonzalez advises clients not to panic but to prepare for possible changes, emphasizing that deportations require court proceedings.

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“I’m telling people to stay calm. This is still developing,” Gonzalez said. “If you have a criminal record, you should be concerned. For everyone else, gather documents like tax records and family certificates.”

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For many, the fear is tangible. Marisol Elias, a mother of five whose children were born in Houston, worries about being separated from her family. Brought to the U.S. at age ten from Mexico, Elias is protected by DACA. During Trump’s first term, attempts to end DACA were blocked by the Supreme Court, but new threats loom. “I think about what will happen if I have to leave,” Elias said. “It’s very stressful.”

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Newer immigrants like Guillermo Covo, who came from Venezuela on humanitarian parole, face different challenges. The two-year visa program, initiated under President Biden, may end under Trump’s administration. “He feels uncertain about what happens when his visa expires,” Covo’s translator said. 

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As Trump promises sweeping changes, immigrants and advocates brace for what’s to come, seeking legal advice and preparing for possible policy shifts.

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As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, uncertainty looms for many immigrants in the U.S. While legal experts stress preparedness and remaining calm, families are left grappling with the potential impact of stricter immigration policies. The coming months will reveal these changes' true scope and effects on millions of lives.

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