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Trump’s Return Stirs Immigration Worries in Borderland

As the reins of power in the White House transition to Donald Trump once again, feelings of apprehension, angst, and uncertainty are stirring in the Borderland and Mexico regions. Trump’s return and possible plans for large-scale deportation, something he did not shy away from during his campaign, has sparked widespread concern among migrants, activists organizations, and politicians on both sides of the border. Programs established to cater to the needs of asylum seekers, who have been waiting for their applications to be reviewed for several years in some cases, might also be facing closure. Newly elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, during a news conference on Friday, the 8th of November, pledged that Mexico will take necessary measures to prevent migrants from reaching its northern border with the United States.

Trump’s assurance that he will impose up to 25% tariffs on Mexican goods unless the migration issue is addressed has raised worries, as 80% of Mexico’s exports are bound for their northern neighbors. Sheinbaum clarified, ‘Our aim is not only to control the migration in the South but to ensure there are job opportunities as well. The border issue has been raised, and we will have discussions about it.’ Tribulations faced by the migrants of the CBP One program and Borderland are also worth mentioning.

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In the wee hours of a cold Thursday, Liza Gomez and her three children joined the ranks of hundreds of migrants queued at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge. They hoped to be granted entry into the United States through their CBP One appointment. The Gomez family, originally from Cuba, only received their appointment after a 19-day wait, unlike some who have waited for six months or longer. ‘The immigrant community is quite alarmed with Trump’s return to power due to his standpoints on migrants,’ Gomez admitted, demonstrating the fear felt by migrants.

‘We are all pursuing freedom and we are doing so the legal way by scheduling appointments. While he may claim to support legal immigration, there’s been ample talk about total immigration cessation.’ The CBP One program, which began as a tool for scheduling cargo inspections for commercial trucks from Mexico on October 28, 2020, soon expanded to cater to unauthorized migrants seeking refuge from persecution, poverty, and violence. Under President Joe Biden’s mandate, the program was declared in May 2023 as the sole platform to request asylum and schedule appointments at the U.S-Mexico border.

Juan Alberto Flores Solis, an asylum seeker awaiting an appointment, shared his traumatic experiences with intimate cartel violence back in his home state of Michoacán in Mexico. This constant threat to the safety of his wife and young children acted as a catalyst to his decision to file for asylum. A kidnapping attempt on one of his kids and the witnessing of a cartel-related shooting only reinforced his decision. ‘We’ve been waiting for an appointment for five months without any further updates,’ lamented Solis. ‘But the news about Trump frightens us as he might completely scrap the program. Trump’s claims about his belief in lawful immigration are something we’re doubtful about.’

Solis expressed worry over Trump’s statements hinting at deporting those who are under CBP One protection and his primary aim to fortify the border wall in his coming term. ‘It’s ironic that before labeling immigrants as criminals, Trump should consider his own legal track record. If he is going to critique the Latino community, he needs to realize that the majority of us aim to immigrate legally,’ said Solis. Presently, Solis and his family reside in the neighborhood of Anapra in Juarez at the Pan de Vida community, a facility that provides temporary housing to asylum seekers. Numerous others are living similar lives, trying to navigate through the uncertainty of their political existence.

The director of the community, Ismael Martinez, reflects the consensus that anxiety over the possibility of losing the CBP One program is pronounced among the families he assists. Martinez also emphasizes the economic implications. He argues that the cost of implementing large-scale deportations by the United States is minor in comparison to what the country stands to lose without immigrants’ contributions to the labor force, taxes, and domestic purchases. A 2022 study by the American Immigration Council based on U.S. Census Bureau data estimates the economic contribution of immigrants to be about $1.6 trillion.

‘The United States relies heavily on immigrants to fill jobs that locals aren’t willing to endeavor and provide services at substantially lower rates,’ Martinez said. ‘While Trump’s rhetoric might be part of the political theatrics during elections, he would have to concede to the crucial role immigrants play in his nation. Despite promising mass deportations during his first term, he didn’t fulfill it, and more immigrants were granted entry.’ Mayor Oscar Leeser, tasked with transition of administration to his successor on January 7, anticipates potential losses in federal reimbursements to alleviate the ongoing crisis at the border in El Paso.

‘Democracy demands we march onward towards the benefit of our community, irrespective of the election results,’ Leeser expressed. In anticipation of any border disturbances, talks have already been initiated with City Manager Dionne Mack and Deputy City Manager Mario D’Agostino, Leeser added. For now, the El Paso leadership continues to remain largely uninformed about what to expect. Leeser emphasized that the existing are plans to prepare the city’s Community Readiness Center for a surge in asylum-seekers in case Trump imposes a shutdown.

While Leeser has chosen to adopt a more laid-back approach to the incoming chaos following Trump’s return, others are not taking chances. State Senator Cesar Blanco warns of a ‘significant shift’ in border policy with Trump’s election. He does not anticipate a rollback in the state’s Operation Lone Star despite a stringent Republican taking over Washington. ‘Observing Trump’s presidential term from 2017 to 2021, it’s clear that the State of Texas and the Republicans did not cut back spending on border security,’ Blanco stated.

For Blanco, and in his words, migrants and border societies are facing an existential threat and are bearing the brunt of the malfunctioning immigration system. He says, ‘In adopting stringent measures like reinforcing the border wall, implementing mass deportations, and restricting migrant entry into the U.S., Trump’s win indicates a massive turn in U.S. immigration and border policy.’ He also emphasized that ‘Latino and immigrant community representatives need to be proactive in preserving our core values, safeguarding our communities and law-abiding citizens, and resisting damaging discourse. It’s feasible to have border security without disrupting families and communities.’

David Stout, chair of the Texas Border Coalition and El Paso County Commissioner, voiced his concerns regarding the potential havoc that another Trump term might wreak. ‘Increased militarization of the border is worrisome due to the significant negative impact on local, state, and national economies hope for a comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform is bleak under Trump’s leadership,’ said Stout. In his view, any border policy changes will likely focus on deterrence and law enforcement. ‘We need migrants in this country. They flee from violence, political instability, and financial shortcomings. The restrictive policies we have in place will only aggravate the problem.’, Stout remarked.

Marisa Limo?n Garza, the executive director of the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, is earnestly worried that damaging policies such as Title 42 and ‘Remain in Mexico’ may be reinstated. ‘Trump’s pledge to execute the largest ever mass deportation in U.S. history could culminate in immigrant detention and the likely deportation of families and community members,’ Garza penned. ‘Renewing cruel policies like Remain in Mexico and Title 42 would negatively impact border communities and immigrant lives. Policies that hinder or ban asylum access put people and communities in danger and are heartless, illegal, and unconstructive.’ As such, the rise of another Trump presidency could encourage anti-immigrant actions from other officials.