Many immigrant groups in Pennsylvania are preparing for what they believe could be a tough time under the second presidency of Donald Trump. They worry about his plan for mass deportations, which is expected to target immigrants, especially those living in the U.S. without legal status.
The Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC), a group of nearly 60 organizations working for immigrant rights, started planning for this situation as early as July. They wanted to be ready if Trump won a second, nonconsecutive term in office, which he has now secured. He has been very clear in his interviews and speeches that he wants to launch a large-scale deportation program as soon as he takes office. One of his aides, Stephen Miller, mentioned that the administration plans to act quickly, aiming to get as much done as possible in the first few months.
Jasmine Rivera, the executive director of PIC, explained that they were making sure to remember the struggles immigrants faced during Trump’s first term, focusing on what worked and what could be improved this time. “This time, there’s a lot more uncertainty for immigrants, whether they are documented or not,” Rivera said. “The fear of being deported is greater.”
Trump’s plan primarily targets undocumented immigrants, especially those who have committed crimes. However, he has also mentioned he will focus on changing or removing legal pathways for immigrants, such as the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which helps people from countries affected by war or disasters live and work in the U.S.
The Impact on Pennsylvania’s Immigrants
Pennsylvania is home to nearly a million immigrants, making up about 7.7% of the state’s population, according to U.S. Census data. While most of these immigrants are here legally, there are about 155,000 undocumented individuals living in the state.
Rivera mentioned that many immigrants who were eligible to become U.S. citizens have been rushing to start the naturalization process since Trump’s election victory. But there’s also a growing concern for people who are legally in the U.S. for a limited time, like those in the TPS program. These immigrants fear they could lose their status and become undocumented overnight under the new administration.
In Erie, a city with a significant refugee population, there is also a growing sense of fear. Katie Kretz, the executive director of the MultiCultural Community Resource Center, said refugees are worried about potential deportations too. Although many of these refugees came to the U.S. legally, they are still concerned about the possibility of being targeted by mass deportations.
The Threat to Refugee Resettlement
During Trump’s first term, the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. dropped dramatically. This was a major concern for organizations like Kretz’s, which help refugees settle in the country. Under Trump, the refugee cap was reduced to just 15,000 in his final year, the lowest it had been since the 1980 Refugee Act. But President Joe Biden raised the cap to 125,000 refugees per year, and in 2024, around 100,000 refugees were resettled.
If Trump lowers the cap again, it could slow down the process for refugees to reunite with their families, further complicating their lives.
Economic Impact of Deportations
The immigrant community in Pennsylvania is not just large; it’s also vital to the state’s economy. Immigrants make up about 10% of the workforce in Pennsylvania and play a significant role in various industries, including technology, agriculture, and healthcare. A study by the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition showed that immigrants contributed $34.2 billion in spending power and paid $13.1 billion in taxes as of 2022.
Rivera warned that deportations could worsen the already existing worker shortage in Pennsylvania, especially as the state faces an aging population and a decline in the number of younger workers. If immigrants are forced to leave, it could have serious economic consequences for the state.
Preparing for the Future
To fight back against these changes, groups like the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition are trying to push the Biden administration to weaken some of the current deportation policies before Trump takes office. They are also working to educate local governments and law enforcement agencies that they are not obligated to enforce federal immigration laws. This could help protect immigrant communities from aggressive federal actions.
While these immigrant groups are worried about the future, they continue to support and protect their communities by offering legal assistance, helping immigrants understand their rights, and fighting to keep immigrant-friendly policies in place.
In conclusion, the future for immigrants in Pennsylvania is uncertain, with many preparing for potential changes that could impact their lives in a big way. As the Trump administration takes office, immigrant communities are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
