Post-Election Impact on Immigration
Our immigration attorney in Forest Hills, New York has been asked to speak on the Post-Election Impact on Immigration
Dear Immigrant community:
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.
For DACA in particular: As of June 30, 2016, USCIS has approved close to 750,000 DACA applications since 2012. The political power of the DACA population and immigration advocates sh ould not be underestimated.
If you have further questions or concerns please call our office and speak to a qualified immigration attorney.
