Mayor Eric Adams of NYC promises to halt mass deportations, yet migrants and legal experts brace for potential deportations.
The recent victory of President-elect Donald J. Trump has caused concern and anxiety among New York City’s undocumented immigrant population, which numbers more than 400,000. Many are worried about the potential impact of Trump’s campaign promise to implement a mass deportation program.
City officials are working to understand how a national immigration crackdown could affect the large number of asylum-seekers who have sought refuge in city shelters over the past two years. Immigration lawyers are fielding a surge of calls from clients seeking guidance, while activists are mobilizing to raise awareness about the potential consequences of mass deportations, such as family separations and disruptions to the city’s economy.
The uncertainty has left many undocumented immigrants on edge, including individuals like Edwin Tito, a migrant from Ecuador who arrived in New York two years ago. Tito, who does not have legal documentation, expressed concerns about the possibility of increased enforcement actions that could target workers like him. He noted that many individuals had already experienced deportations during Trump’s previous term in office.
Trump’s promise to tighten border security, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border, may lead to a decrease in the number of migrants coming to New York. The city has seen an influx of more than 200,000 migrants since 2022, putting strain on resources and services. Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has criticized the impact of this influx on the city and may welcome a reduction in arrivals as a result of stricter immigration policies.
Overall, the immigrant community in New York City is facing a period of uncertainty and fear as they await the implementation of Trump’s immigration agenda and grapple with the potential consequences for their lives and livelihoods.
Source: The NY Times
