LOS ANGELES, CA – MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) today released a fact sheet designed to help students, educators, and social service providers navigate the potential implications of a Trump presidency on immigration policy.
During his campaign, the President-elect labeled nearly all Mexican immigrants as criminals, vowed to build a border wall, indicated he would rescind the Obama Administration’s DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents) initiatives, and stated that he would “mass deport” millions of undocumented immigrants.
In the aftermath of the election, many families feel afraid and confused. The new fact sheet provides answers to questions about what we know at this point about how a Trump presidency might affect immigrants.
“Information can help to allay fears engendered by the sweeping and irresponsible rhetoric of the campaign,” said Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF president and general counsel. “The overarching message is that there are protections available under the Constitution that will be used to limit the effects of any change in federal immigration enforcement.”
The fact sheet answers several frequently-asked DACA/DAPA-related questions, including whether now is a good time to apply for these programs, how an applicant’s information might be used, and whether or not DACA/DAPA applicants and recipients should fear being deported under the incoming administration. It also covers non-DACA immigration concerns regarding any attempt to begin mass deportations.
MALDEF, as many others, will use all available legal tools to protect against any enforcement excesses under a Trump Administration. This is an evolving situation as we all learn more about the incoming Administration’s plans. The fact sheet will be revised again as necessary before and after the presidential inauguration.
For the fact sheet laying out immigrants’ rights under a Trump presidency, please click here.