A Year of Destruction: What We Can Expect from the Trump Presidency and What we Should Do About It (Pt. 1 - Immigration)
Article by Liliana Zavin
As the second Trump Administration is now underway, the destruction that it plans to unleash becomes more imminent. In this series of articles, I hope to provide some clarity on the plans that Trump has going into office, how he takes action on them throughout his first year, and the steps that America’s youth can take to protect our families, communities, and to continue the fight for justice.
Trump’s plans for immigration threaten the livelihoods of entire communities, with the goal to destroy immigrant populations in the nation. His plans, many of which have been drawn from Project 2025, go beyond the limits of former presidents, far more aggressive even than those of Trump in his first term. While the specific details of his immigration plans are unknown, it has three major goals, all of which were attempted in various ways during his first administration but were blocked. First, Trump plans to begin a series of mass deportations to capture undocumented immigrants and those with temporary citizenship, then forcibly remove them from the country. To accomplish this, he plans to enhance the current expedited removal program, a system which allows low-level Customs and Border Protection officials to deport people without official citizenship without a hearing. Through surprise raids on workplaces and in neighborhoods, the Trump administration will be able to find undocumented immigrants and deport them, with little means for objection. Unlike in previous administrations, Trump officials will not abide by the policies typically followed during raids — these will occur in churches and schools, as well as other places formerly viewed as safe spaces. Secondly, Trump plans to challenge existing legal protections for immigrant families, including birthright citizenship, student visas, and guaranteed education for undocumented children. While his attacks on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) failed during his first administration, through filling the Supreme Court and White House with loyalists, it is likely that many of his efforts will be legally permitted during a second term. While many Americans are supportive of policies to reduce illegal border crossings and the arrival of undocumented immigrants, the Trump administration will go far beyond these issues, working to destroy immigrant families and communities and challenge the rights of those who have been active and integral contributors to American society. Finally, the second Trump administration has a plan for strict border security, stopping anyone from entering the country illegally and returning those fleeing danger in their home countries back to danger zones. During his second term, Trump appointed former ICE director and Project 2025 contributor Tom Homan as the “border czar,” an unofficial position not requiring Senate confirmation, enabling him to advise the Trump administration on extreme border policies without risk of impeachment. These plans, while not yet defined, could include executive orders that would reestablish the Remain in Mexico policy, remove humanitarian protections for migrants, expand and enforce mandatory stays in migrant detention centers, and eliminate T and U visas, which allow for the entry and protection of people fleeing danger in their home countries. Unlike during his first administration, Trump’s efforts will not be stopped. During his second term, Trump plans to remove all potential opponents, filling the White House, Department of Homeland Security, and ICE with loyalists too scared to oppose him.
So what can we do? While the Trump administration is a formidable opponent, we won’t let them win. It is crucial that we maintain hope and that we continue to fight, demanding justice and the protection of human rights for all, regardless of citizenship status. Here is a short list of steps that we can take now, and throughout the next few months and years, to protect immigrant communities and defend the values integral to American identity.
1. Educate about the Trump administration's plans and steps to gaining citizenship
The plans of the Trump administration affect us all. Stay educated and informed on the newest efforts of the administration and their impacts on your community. Inform those who do not understand the truth behind his sentiments, the extent of Trump’s immigration plans, or the gravity and extent of these efforts. Educate members of your community and family who are not yet citizens about the process of gaining citizenship and help along the way — it is a difficult and long process, so while not the solution to preventing Trump’s efforts, it is a way to mitigate some of the impacts.
2. Attend protests and events that advocate for the rights of immigrants
Get your warm clothes, make signs, and get ready to protest! Throughout history, protesting has often been an effective means to demand change and to show support for marginalized groups. National organizations, including the Immigrant Defense Project, American Immigration Council, ACLU, National Immigrant Justice Center, and KIND, are all going to be lead players in the fight against Trump’s efforts to destroy immigrant communities. Keep an eye out for protests organized by these organizations, as well as immigrant defense organizations in your community. If there are no protests, start your own!
3. Donate to and volunteer with organizations supporting immigrants in your community
The United States was built on, and continues to be led and influenced by immigrants. With the exception of indigenous peoples, the United States is entirely a nation of immigrants. Local and national organizations that work to defend the rights of immigrants are always in need of support, whether monetary or physical. Look for opportunities in your community to help newly arrived immigrants, such as volunteering to teach English in ESOL classes or holding a supply drive for essential goods needed in immigrant detention centers.
4. Advocate for legislation, legal action, and other means to fight Trump’s efforts
Congress, despite large efforts of the Republican party, is still very split. This leaves a lot of potential for legislative action that could potentially provide a stop to the most extreme of the Trump administration’s plans and provide additional support for immigrant communities. Legal action is also necessary, and there are many organizations that are looking to fight Trump’s policies in court. Support these organizations, attend hearings, advocate for and against legislation on a federal, state, and local level, and continue to stay hopeful and motivated to make change.