After the recent election, the Mexican Consulate office in northwest Dallas is quieter than usual. People are still coming in for various consular services, but there is a sense of fear among undocumented immigrants. With President-elect Trump focusing on mass deportations during his campaign, many are worried about what the future holds.
One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her concerns about the potential increase in deportations under a second Trump administration. This fear is shared by many in the immigrant community, including Cristina Salazar, an immigration attorney who works with vulnerable groups in Collin County.
Salazar has seen a rise in fear among her clients, particularly women who have suffered from domestic violence. She has noticed a sense of urgency among them, prompting her to expedite their cases. While she doesn’t believe the laws protecting her clients will change immediately, she is preparing for the worst-case scenario.
One of the key concerns is the potential revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from countries like Haiti, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Lebanon. Trump attempted to terminate TPS for several countries during his first term, and there are fears that he may try again.
Faisal Al-Juburi, from the nonprofit RAICES, which handles immigration, asylum, and refugee cases in Texas, also expressed concerns about the anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. He emphasized the importance of asylum as a human right and highlighted the threats faced by immigrants under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
RAICES has already issued a statement warning the incoming Trump administration about the potential consequences of its immigration policies. The organization is prepared to challenge any actions that threaten the legal and human right to seek safety in the U.S.
In the face of uncertainty and fear, immigrant advocacy groups and legal professionals are working to support and protect vulnerable communities. The road ahead may be challenging, but there are efforts underway to ensure that immigrants have access to legal protections and support in navigating the complex immigration system.
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