US Elections

Trump’s Election Spells Uncertain Future for Immigrants in America

Published

1 week ago

Nov 12, 2024.

Former United States President Donald Trump has won the presidency again, defeating Democratic Party nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in Tuesday’s election.

Tens of millions of voters across the United States trooped to polling booths to cast their ballots for the presidential election, as well as contests for the US Senate, House of Representatives, gubernatorial positions, and down-ballot policy measures.

For weeks leading up to Election Day, pollsters had predicted a neck-and-neck race between Trump and Harris, EKO HOT BLOG observed.

But hours after voting ended, a clear picture of the election outcome emerged, even as the vote count continued in most states, and five states have not yet been called.

With Trump’s return to office, countless immigrants across the United States are grappling with questions and anxieties about what lies ahead.

His return to office brings renewed promises of strict immigration measures, including mass deportations, National Guard deployments, and workplace raids.

For many immigrants, the future feels increasingly uncertain.

A Mother’s Fear: Marisol Elias’ Story
Marisol Elias, a mother of five, has lived in Houston since childhood, though her own journey here began with an undocumented crossing from Mexico when she was ten.

Now, as her two eldest children start college, Marisol faces the fear of separation from her family.

“You get very anxious and start thinking about everything,” she shares.

“What if I have to leave? Do I take my kids, or leave them here?” Marisol, like more than half a million others, holds temporary protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

While the Supreme Court upheld DACA during Trump’s first term, his new administration has vowed to renew efforts to end it, raising the stakes for Marisol and others like her.

A Newcomer in Limbo: Guillermo Covo’s Uncertain Future
Guillermo Covo arrived in Houston from Venezuela nine months ago through the humanitarian parole program, designed to provide temporary, two-year work permits for migrants from countries in crisis.

The Biden administration instituted the program to support individuals facing extreme circumstances, but Trump has vowed to end it.

Guillermo, who initially intended to renew his permit and work legally in the U.S., now feels adrift.

“When these two years are up, I don’t know what will happen,” he says through a translator, adding that he feels trapped in a system that may not protect him for long.

Legal and Practical Guidance for Immigrants

As fears mount, immigration attorney Raed Gonzalez advises immigrants to stay calm and prepare for potential court proceedings.

“This is still a developing situation,” Gonzalez explains. “If you’re not involved in criminal activities, try to stay level-headed and get organized.”

He urges immigrants to gather essential documentation, including tax records, birth certificates, passports, and proof of legal residency.

“Proof that you’ve been paying taxes is really important,” he emphasizes.

“Judges often appreciate seeing that you’re contributing to the country. It can make a difference if deportation proceedings do arise.”

A Call for Understanding and Recognition
Marisol, like many other immigrants, hopes Trump’s administration will recognize the contributions she and others have made to the country.

“We have given our lives here. I pay my taxes, I graduated here, and we’re here to make this country better,” she says, underscoring the mix of hope and resolve shared by many immigrants.

As Trump’s second term begins, the country stands at a crossroads.

For immigrants across the U.S., the coming years will be filled with uncertainty and resilience as they face new challenges and hope for a future of stability and opportunity.