
Migrants
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Many migrants in the United States are opting for voluntary departures as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office.
This shift is largely driven by concerns regarding potential mass deportations, a cornerstone of Trump's campaign promises. Individuals who entered the US during the Biden administration are increasingly choosing to return to their home countries in anticipation of stricter immigration enforcement under the forthcoming administration. Immigration attorney Rolando Vasquez has witnessed this phenomenon firsthand, observing that a number of his clients have decided to voluntarily leave the US.
Many are acting out of fear, especially as Mexico's immigration policies have recently evolved to express a readiness to accept non-Mexican deportees. This development primarily impacts Cuban and Venezuelan migrants, who have historically faced challenges with deportation flights from the US but may now find themselves subject to different terms under Mexican law. The implications of Mexico's policy change are significant, prompting many migrants to reevaluate their circumstances.
Vasquez notes that the majority of these individuals express a reluctance to remain in Mexico due to the risks of exploitation, kidnapping, and extortion from cartels and smugglers. The ongoing ambiguity surrounding Mexico's protections for deported migrants only heightens their apprehension.
As the inauguration approaches, the situation for many migrants remains uncertain. Concerns are also mounting among immigrant farmworkers in the United States regarding potential mass deportations.
Legal support organizations report a sharp increase in demand for their services, reflecting widespread apprehension that Trump may follow through on his campaign promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. This shift could have significant repercussions for the US agricultural sector, which is heavily reliant on immigrant labour. According to the US Department of Agriculture, approximately half of the nation’s hired farmworkers are undocumented.
Farm trade groups warn that deporting these workers could jeopardize food production, particularly in states like California, which supplies a substantial portion of the nation’s vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy, and livestock. The demand for legal advocacy has surged with organizations like CBDIO experiencing a tenfold increase in inquiries from immigrant farmworkers seeking guidance on navigating interactions with immigration officials and ensuring their families' safety.
These workshops often include role-playing scenarios with immigration officers and preparation strategies for potential enforcement actions, such as arranging temporary guardians for children and organizing pay collection. In Washington State, farmworker Alfredo participates in these training sessions to disseminate valuable information among his peers. He expresses deep concern about the looming challenges while emphasizing the pride workers take in their contributions to the agricultural sector.
During Trump’s first term, his administration executed targeted worksite raids at poultry and produce processing facilities. The transition team for the incoming administration indicates a focus on deporting individuals identified as threats to public safety or national security, yet does not exclude broader deportations that would impact undocumented farmworkers. Many farmworkers, particularly those who are undocumented with US-born children, are anxious about the implications of family separation.