Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda sparks fear among undocumented communities
Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term has triggered widespread fear among millions of undocumented immigrants in the US, including approximately 750,000 Indians. Taking office amid freezing temperatures in Washington, Trump immediately signed executive orders targeting illegal immigration, a cornerstone of his nativist agenda, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
In his inaugural rally, Trump vowed to implement the “most aggressive, sweeping effort” to secure US borders, focusing first on undocumented immigrants with criminal records and those with deportation orders. Indians represent the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants, after Mexicans and Salvadorans, highlighting the far-reaching impact of his policies.
Trump’s policies ignite fear, with millions rushing to lawyers and sanctuaries
The Trump administration’s plans include deporting over 655,000 immigrants with criminal convictions and addressing 1.4 million existing deportation orders. Executing these actions presents logistical challenges, requiring thousands of flights and extensive resources.
More than six million immigrants in legal limbo, including asylum seekers and DACA recipients, face an uncertain future. Sanctuary cities like Chicago and New York are bracing for federal action, as Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has warned officials against protecting undocumented immigrants.
Fear has driven many to seek legal assistance, designate power of attorney, or even self-deport. In Florida, local officials are amplifying Trump’s message, urging immigrants to leave voluntarily to avoid imprisonment. With over half of the undocumented population residing in the US for over a decade, the impending federal actions have cast a shadow over millions of lives.
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