US Immigration Policies: Immigrants Face Increased Fear

Under the current political landscape, US immigration policies have prompted increased fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. A national survey conducted by The New York Times and KFF reveals that approximately one-third of noncitizens, including about 60 percent of undocumented immigrants, are avoiding aspects of their daily lives due to anxiety stemming from these policies. Many immigrants, like Ana Luna, who is undocumented and has lived in the US for nearly two decades, express a sense of dread that now colors even their simplest joys, such as visiting public parks or attending church services. The survey highlights that about 50 percent of all immigrants feel less safe since President Trump took office, with 41 percent worrying that they or a family member could be detained or deported—a sharp increase compared to previous years when immigration policies were more lenient under the Biden administration.

The Las Vegas Sun reports that this fear does not entirely diminish immigrants' resolve to stay in the US. Despite the anxiety, a significant number of immigrants—70 percent—indicate they would still choose to migrate to the United States if given the chance again. This sentiment reflects a complex relationship between fear and hope, as many immigrants believe their lives are better in the US compared to the conditions that drove them to leave their home countries. A substantial majority feel optimistic about their children's futures, viewing the American dream as still attainable. The survey also notes that 70 percent of respondents, including those in the country illegally, see better financial opportunities and educational prospects for their children here compared to their countries of origin.

However, the landscape has changed dramatically since the Trump administration's efforts to enforce stricter immigration controls. The fear of deportation and legal status revocation is heightened, with 60 percent of immigrants believing the US was once a welcoming place for immigrants, a view particularly pronounced among those from Latin America and Asia. Financial concerns are also on the rise, with nearly half of immigrants indicating it has become harder to earn a living since January. Surprisingly, about 40 percent of immigrants believe that increased enforcement measures are necessary, with a notable share expressing pride in these actions. The survey highlights the complexities within immigrant communities, as some support the notion of stricter immigration laws while simultaneously expressing fear and uncertainty regarding their future in the US. Overall, the findings underscore a profound transformation in immigrant sentiment, marked by both trepidation and a persistent hope for a better future in America.