Some advise
In our office, we are answering lots of questions about the future Trump Administration. Here is some advice from our national American Immigration Lawyers Association:
Don’t panic!
• At this time, there aren’t a lot of answers as to what exactly will happen when the new administration takes office.
• Don’t make hasty decisions; instead take the time necessary to get the facts, gather knowledge, and know your rights.
• Make sure you do not fall for scammers or notarios who will prey on those who may be confused or fearful about the election results.
• If you or your family members have any questions, speak to a qualified immigration attorney to understand your case and any benefits to which you may be entitled.
What will happen next?
• In terms of the election’s impact and the future, a lot is unknown.
• Any president needs to balance their legal authority with what makes sense for the country.
• As any policy change is considered, it is unlikely that the Trump Administration will act in a vacuum. The changes that President-elect Trump espoused during the campaign no longer involve nameless, faceless people but instead will impact real people who are integral to their communities and whose stories can be told.
• Now is the time to show the new administration how dangerous and destructive actual implementation of these policies would be.
• Arizona learned the hard way how economically damaging anti-immigrant policies can be. We need to make sure America as a whole doesn’t make the same mistake.
• There are a lot of things a president can do. However, ultimately it comes down to our country’s values and whether a path of destruction can be left without paying a political price. Immigrants, communities, and the public must hold the administration accountable.
Border/enforcement concerns:
• President-elect Trump has said he wants to detain or deport 2-3 million “criminal aliens.”
• Many so-called “criminal aliens” have convictions for very minor offenses, and are not threats to public safety or national security.
• Smart enforcement policy would focus deportation efforts on actual threats.
• During the past several years, 75 percent of Americans have supported a legalization plan for the undocumented that includes permanent legal status. That includes a majority of Republican voters.
At Austin & Ferguson, L.L.C., we are hoping that the challenges ahead bring all of the Immigrants and Advocates together, to work in smarter and more effective ways to bring about positive Immigration Reform.
Merry Christmas!
