Migrant families and immigration advocacy groups are bracing for potential mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump, which could result in millions of families being separated. Mixed-status families, where some members are undocumented and some are U.S. citizens, are particularly vulnerable. The American Immigration Council estimated that up to 4 million mixed-status families could be impacted.
In states like Arizona, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, families are preparing for the worst-case scenario where children could be separated from their parents. Power of attorney documents, passports for children, and emergency packets are being created to prepare for potential deportations. Trump has promised the largest mass deportation effort in American history, with the possibility of separating or deporting families.
Advocacy groups are helping families navigate the uncertainty, with some states passing laws to enforce stricter immigration policies. Proposition 314 in Arizona, for example, criminalizes illegal border crossings and empowers local law enforcement to arrest noncitizens. Some Arizona sheriffs have expressed concerns about enforcing these laws, fearing repercussions in their predominantly Latino communities.
In states like Colorado, where a surge of migrants has arrived since Texas began busing them to the area, nonprofit organizations are preparing for potential separations. Families are seeking legal advice and making plans in case of deportation. Children are also expressing fear and uncertainty about their future. The immigration landscape is changing rapidly, and families and advocacy groups are working to navigate the challenges ahead.
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