Mass Deportations: Gabriela’s journey into the United States began more than 20 years ago under desperate circumstances. Hidden under corn stalks in the trunk of a smuggler’s car, the Bolivian national sought a future filled with opportunity. Today, she is one of the estimated 13 million undocumented migrants living in the US, contributing to the economy as a housekeeper in Maryland.
Like many others in her position, Gabriela is watching closely as former President Donald Trump, now president-elect, pledges mass deportations under his administration. For migrants like her, this promise raises profound questions about what the future holds.
“Trump Mass Deportations for Criminals”: A Source of Debate
Gabriela, like many others, remains hopeful that the focus of these deportations will be on individuals with criminal records.
“I’m not scared at all,” she says confidently. “That’s for criminals to worry about. I pay taxes, and I work. How would they even know about me?”
Her sentiment resonates across WhatsApp groups and social media forums, where undocumented communities are buzzing with speculation. Some cling to the belief that their contributions to society might shield them from enforcement actions. Others, however, are not as optimistic.
The Deportations: An Unclear Plan Amid Rising Fear
Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized immigration as a cornerstone of his agenda, promising to deport millions of undocumented migrants. Yet, the specifics remain vague. While Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border tsar,” insists that efforts will prioritize those deemed threats to public safety, others foresee broader implications.
Experts warn that workplace raids, likely to return under Trump, could result in “collateral arrests.” This term, introduced during his first administration, describes individuals who were not targeted but were apprehended during enforcement operations.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, predicts this approach could lead to sweeping detentions. “Let’s say they go after someone with a criminal record,” he explains. “If that person lives with four other undocumented individuals, they’ll likely arrest everyone in the household.”
Balancing Hope and Anxiety
For Carlos, an undocumented migrant living in New York City, the fear of deportation is tempered by optimism about potential economic improvements under a Trump presidency. “A lot of Latinos voted for him because they think he can improve the economy. That would benefit us too,” he says.
Still, Carlos acknowledges the risks: “The best thing to do is avoid problems and not commit any crimes.”
Others, like California resident Eric Bautista, are less hopeful. As a “Dreamer” protected under DACA, Bautista fears the growing wave of nativism he teaches about in his US history classes. “It feels like we’re at a turning point,” he says. “The future feels uncertain and filled with fear.”
The Human Toll of Uncertainty
Undocumented migrants are vital contributors to the US economy, working in sectors ranging from agriculture to construction. Yet, this reality offers little solace to families with mixed legal statuses. Brenda, a 37-year-old “Dreamer” in Texas, is one such example.
While she is protected from deportation, her husband and mother are not. Their two young sons, born in the US, are citizens, but Brenda fears the possibility of being separated. “It’s important for us to see our children grow up,” she says, her voice heavy with worry. “The thought of being separated leaves one frightened.”
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