Immigrant communities faced multiple challenges under the Trump administration

Immigration was an essential piece of Donald Trump’s political campaign to win the 2016 presidential election, but not in a positive way. His political identity is strongly related to the ideal of reducing immigration in the US, both legal and illegal.

Thus, for the past four years, the Trump administration has used every tool at its disposal, from executive actions and presidential proclamations to federal entities such as DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and its branches, to hinder legal immigration processes and curb irregular immigration at the US’ borders.

During his term, President Trump increased restrictions on most immigration processes, including humanitarian programs such as political asylum or refuge and removal relief programs such as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status).

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Incoming government takes a different stance on immigration

Despite President Trump seeking a second term in the November 2020 elections, the American population elected Democratic candidate Joe Biden as the nation’s next leader, who will take office today, January 20, 2021 (Inauguration Day).

Immigration was also one of the pillars of the president-elect’s political campaign, but in a positive way. The Democratic nominee, unlike President Trump, has a more welcoming view on immigration and states that:

• The US is an immigrant nation.
• American or US-based companies benefit from foreign workforce.
• As a first world country, the US has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable immigrant communities such as asylum seekers.
• The economic system needs foreign workforce.
• Immigrants contribute to socioeconomic development in times of crisis.
• Most immigrants currently residing in the US are essential workers.

Thus, the incoming government initially plans to lift Trump’s restrictions on the immigration system, then gradually reform legal processes for foreigners to come to the US and expand alternatives for vulnerable communities.

To accomplish this goal, the president-elect plans to send an immigration bill for Congress approval during his first day(s) in office. With this, Biden’s team intends to offer permanent solutions and alternatives for millions of undocumented immigrants in the US, asylum seekers currently residing in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP), DACA recipients or “Dreamers”, inter alia.

Immigrant communities and advocates celebrate Inauguration Day

Dozens of activists, immigrant rights advocates, immigration attorneys and immigrant communities celebrate Joe Biden’s victory and look forward to the immigration reform he promised during his political campaign.

In fact, an immigrant advocate, who has participated in several legal processes against Trump’s restrictive policies, stated: “We’re hoping some of the things can be reverted, that some of the things can be undone and we can have some breathing room for our community (…) President Obama had the opportunity to fix it and he didn’t.”

Therefore, even though many immigrants are skeptical, advocates and activists hope the Biden administration delivers on its promises regarding immigration and helps the most vulnerable immigrant communities.

Do you need help with an immigration case? This is the right time to start your process, always following the advice of experts.

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