Immigration: What to Expect After Donald Trump Is Inaugurated

Donald Trump’s new administration may bring policy changes that will reshape U.S. immigration. These new policies will reflect priorities from his earlier presidency and his 2024 campaign promises.

Here are some of the potential challenges that might arise after he takes office:

1. Stricter Immigration Policies

• Border Security: Trump has consistently emphasized building and strengthening the U.S.-Mexico border wall. A renewed focus on border enforcement could include increased resources for physical barriers, surveillance technologies, and stricter asylum processes.
• Asylum Restrictions: Policies like “Remain in Mexico” or other measures could limit those seeking asylum and their ability to enter and stay in the U.S. while their claims are processed.
• Deportations: There will likely be an increase in deportations, particularly targeting undocumented individuals with criminal records or those considered as security risks.

2. Reduction in Legal Immigration

• Work and Student Visas: There may be heightened scrutiny or restrictions on H-1B work visas, student visas (F-1), and other temporary employment pathways, aligning with past efforts to prioritize American workers.
• Green Card Availability: Changes to family-based and employment-based green card categories could reduce legal immigration levels. For instance, efforts to limit chain migration (family reunification) were part of the prior Trump-era policies.

3. Rollback of Biden Policies

• DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): The Trump administration previously sought to end DACA, which protects certain undocumented individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children. Since the election, we anticipate that similar attempts could return, creating uncertainty for Dreamers.
• Humanitarian Programs: Programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or pathways for refugees could face stricter criteria or reductions in refugee admissions.

4. Increased Bureaucratic Challenges

• Application Delays: Expanded vetting procedures for visas, green cards, and naturalization applications may lead to longer processing times and higher rejection rates.
• Fee Increases: There may be increases in filing fees for immigration applications, potentially placing a larger financial burden on applicants.

5. Impact on Immigrant Communities

• Fear and Uncertainty: Tighter enforcement and rhetoric could lead to fear among immigrant communities, making them more hesitant to access public services or report crimes.
• Workforce Disruption: Stricter immigration policies could affect industries like agriculture, tech, and healthcare, which rely heavily on immigrant labor.

6. State and Local Impact

• States with more immigrant-friendly policies may push back against federal restrictions, potentially creating a patchwork of immigration enforcement practices.
• Sanctuary cities and states may face legal and financial pressure from the federal government.

What Immigrants and Advocates Can Do: 

• Stay Informed: Monitor policy changes and seek guidance from reputable legal sources.
• Legal Representation: Work with immigration attorneys or non-profit organizations to understand options and rights.
• Community Support: Build networks within immigrant communities and advocate for pro-immigration policies at local and state levels.
• Plan Ahead: Ensure documentation is up to date and explore options to adjust status if eligible.

Economic Hardships

• Job Security Concerns: Tighter restrictions on work permits, increased workplace enforcement, and crackdowns on undocumented labor may create economic insecurity for millions of workers, especially in industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and healthcare, where immigrants are heavily represented.
• Disruption of Remittances: Immigrants who send money to family members abroad (remittances) may face difficulties maintaining their income streams, negatively impacting communities in their countries of origin.
• Higher Living Costs: Fee increases for immigration processes (like work permits, green cards, and naturalization applications) could impose financial burdens on already vulnerable families.

Mental Health Challenges

• Stress and Anxiety: The possibility of deportation or separation from loved ones can create constant stress and mental health challenges. Children in mixed-status families are especially vulnerable, often fearing losing a parent or caregiver.
• Community Isolation: Hostile rhetoric or policies may discourage immigrants from participating in community events, engaging in public life, or seeking help when needed.

Impact on Children and Families

• Mixed-Status Families: Families with members of different immigration statuses could face separation due to deportations or other enforcement actions. This is particularly devastating for children who are U.S. citizens but have undocumented parents.
• Education Disruptions: Children of undocumented immigrants may face interruptions in their education due to family relocations, financial instability, or mental health struggles. Additionally, some immigrant families may choose to pull their children out of school to avoid attention from authorities.
• Generational Impact: Long-term instability will create generational challenges, with lasting effects on children’s emotional well-being, education, and economic opportunities.

The Immigration Law Offices of Hadley Bajramovic have been helping immigrants to the United States since 2009. Hadley Bajramovic is an established leader in the field of immigration law serving the local and international immigrant community. She has been recognized for her work by notable and respected elected officials including United States Congressmen Mark Takano and Pete Aguilar. She also serves on immigration advisory boards for both Congressman Takano and Congressman Aguilar.

For more information about how the Immigration Law Offices of Hadley Bajramovic can help you call (951) 588-9838 or to schedule a booking CLICK HERE!