Trump’s new presidency puts many immigrants into panic as new immigration laws take effect. The month of January was a very stressful time as President Trump signed immigration detention measures into law, such as the Laken Riley Act, which orders undocumented immigrants who have been arrested, faced with charges, or convicted of burglary, theft, larceny, and/or shoplifting to be detained.
Why was this law made?
Trump has signed this law into action after the killing of a Georgian nursing student who was tragically killed by a Hispanic man by the name of Jose Antonio Ibarra. He was already arrested for illegally entering the US, but then he was released. This led Trump to blame Biden for Riley’s murder because he was released to pursue his case in immigration court when he committed murder. The Laken Riley Act was created to maintain the safety and security of American citizens.
What do people think about the law?
Some think that this new law will strip the rights from immigrants including minors, as well as those who are a part of the Deferred Action of Childhood Program. This law could potentially enable false accusations and put immigrants at risk of being sent to detention centers and get deported. Others think that this new law will secure the safety of the US borders and support the deportation of any illegal immigrants. Overall, this law could be both beneficial but also harmful depending on how one sees the situation as there are many mixed opinions.
Eliminating the Right of Citizenship from Birth:
In the 14th Amendment, it is clearly stated that anyone born in the United States is a citizen no matter what the parent’s immigration status is. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Since Trump became president, he has been wanting to end birthright citizenship. But can he do this? Trump had recently issued an executive order to take this right away and eliminate it. However, it was blocked by a federal judge.
What should you do if you are an immigrant?
If you are an immigrant and you ever encounter an immigration officer or law enforcement, know your rights.
Please look through this to learn more about your rights:
Sources:
https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-signs-laken-riley-act-law-rcna188917
https://www.nilc.org/articles/nilc-opposes-the-h-r-29-the-laken-riley-act/
https://www.aila.org/library/featured-issue-the-laken-riley-act
