By Lcda. Jessica L. Pérez-Salazar
As an immigration lawyer, I handle numerous inquiries daily from people who express deep concern about their immigration status in the United States following the policies implemented by Donald Trump.
In recent days, fear has been a recurring factor in these consultations, as many immigrants fear the possibility of being deported and face uncertainty about the future of their families if they are removed from the country.
For example, those with children born in the United States question whether they should grant a legal power of attorney to ensure their care in their absence. In the case of Venezuelan citizens, an additional concern arises: the need for their children to obtain a Venezuelan visa to be able to enter the country in the event of their parents' deportation.
Other immigrants express deep concern about the stability of their businesses. Many of them are entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses, such as stationery stores, pet shops, auto repair shops, and gardening services, among others. Most entered the United States legally, practiced professions in their countries of origin, and have applied for asylum, remaining in the country for years awaiting a resolution. During this time, they have worked, paid taxes, and actively contributed to their communities.
The uncertainty and fear are also reflected in Immigration Court, where it is common to see people walking the halls without understanding the language, accompanied by their young children, attending their hearings to comply with due process but with the latent fear of being detained at that moment. This concern is not unfounded. I am currently representing a 58-year-old man, father of four children and grandfather of two grandchildren, all U.S. citizens, who has lived in the country for 26 years without a criminal record or previous deportations. He was detained while standing on a corner, waiting to be hired for a day labor construction job, a common practice in various communities across the country.
The use of fear as a political tool is not a new phenomenon; it has been employed throughout history by various leaders to consolidate power, justify repressive policies, and mobilize popular support.
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party used fear as a key mechanism to consolidate power. Through propaganda, they spread the idea that Germany was under threat from internal and external enemies, such as Jews, communists, and other minority groups.
After the September 11 attacks, George W. Bush's administration used fear of terrorism to justify policies like the Patriot Act and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The political rhetoric emphasized the need for national security at any cost, even at the expense of civil rights and individual freedoms. For example, mass surveillance programs were implemented, detentions without due process were authorized at Guantanamo, and discriminatory policies were carried out against Muslims and people of Arab descent.
During the pandemic, several leaders around the world exploited fear of the virus to implement restrictive policies that, in some cases, excessively limited individual freedoms or were used to consolidate power. In countries like China and Hungary, fear of COVID-19 served as justification to increase surveillance and restrict press freedom.
In some places, fear led to the acceptance of authoritarian measures without question. It also generated an increase in xenophobia, especially toward people of Asian descent, and misinformation caused social division, with some sectors of the population believing in conspiracy theories instead of scientific evidence.
Currently, the Donald Trump administration has used fear of immigration as a fundamental pillar of its policy, portraying immigrants as criminals, rapists, and a threat to national security. Measures such as mass deportations, the elimination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and openly anti-immigrant rhetoric have been justified under the argument of safeguarding the nation.
The impact of these policies on society has been significant, generating a state of anxiety and uncertainty among immigrant communities. Additionally, they have contributed to the strengthening of white supremacist groups, who have adopted this anti-immigrant discourse as a justification for acts of discrimination.
In this context, it is essential to recognize how fear affects immigrant communities and find ways to counteract its impact. Legal education, proper counseling, and community resistance are crucial to facing this climate of fear and ensuring that immigrants' rights are protected. It is vital that immigrants know their rights and legal options, participate in informative workshops, access reliable resources, and seek advice from specialized lawyers, as this can make a difference in making informed decisions.
Having the support of lawyers and organizations that defend immigrants' rights allows for the development of appropriate legal strategies for each particular case, increasing the chances of a favorable resolution. Furthermore, unity within immigrant communities strengthens their capacity for resistance. Participating in support groups, neighborhood networks, and pro-immigrant organizations provides information, emotional support, and strategies to face challenges.
Having a plan in case of detention, including accessible important documents, lawyer contacts, and strategies for childcare, offers greater security in the face of possible incidents. Likewise, raising your voice against injustices and participating in efforts to defend immigrants' rights helps generate changes in immigration policies and strengthen community representation in the political sphere.
Against fear and uncertainty, knowledge, organization, and collective action are essential tools to defend immigrants' rights and consolidate their place in American society. Only through unity and determination can the narrative of fear be countered and progress made toward a more just, equitable, and inclusive community.