A riveting exploration of Herminia, an undocumented immigrant, reveals her ongoing fears as she prepares for a potential second Trump term and the threat of deportation. The emotional toll of immigration raids resonates strongly, especially among families who live under constant anxiety. Personal stories highlight the heartbreaking impacts these policies have on daily life and community dynamics. The podcast also touches on shifting political sentiments in Miami Dade, showcasing how identity and trust are deeply affected by immigration policies.
Undocumented immigrants like Herminia experienced improved safety with Biden's election, but fear resurged at the thought of another Trump presidency.
Frustration within the immigrant community grew as long-term undocumented individuals felt overlooked compared to newer arrivals benefiting from support programs.
Deep dives
The Impact of Political Changes on Immigrant Life
The uncertainties surrounding immigration policies significantly affect the lives of undocumented immigrants, as illustrated by the experiences of Herminia, a Nicaraguan immigrant. After years of living in fear due to deportation threats during the Trump administration, her sense of safety improved with Biden's election, allowing her to feel protected and even travel. She removed the visible signs of her undocumented status, reflecting a newfound confidence in her ability to live freely. However, this sense of safety was fleeting, as she began to perceive a shift in public opinion against immigrants, leading to a resurgence of fear at the prospect of another Trump presidency.
Frustration Among Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants
As Biden's policies aimed to be more humane, frustration emerged among long-term undocumented immigrants who felt overlooked amidst the new influx of migrants. Many voiced concerns that those who had been in the U.S. for years, like Herminia, experienced a lack of support compared to newer immigrants who quickly gained access to programs. This sense of injustice fostered resentment, as they believed their contributions through taxes and work should be recognized more significantly. Herminia's conversations with her peers revealed a deep-seated frustration that underscored the complexities within the immigrant community.
Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in a Hostile Environment
The constant threat of deportation remains a stark reality for many undocumented individuals, forcing them to adopt cautious lifestyles defined by fear and anxiety. Herminia expresses her dread about potential roundups in everyday spaces like construction sites and supermarkets, highlighting the pervasive fear that affects her daily choices. This fear constricts her world to her home and work, limiting contact with the community and the outside world. Conversations about the future with her family become fraught with anxiety, as they navigate the looming possibility of deportation and the impact it could have on their lives together.
Five years ago, we interviewed a woman who asked that we call her Herminia. It was the summer of 2019, just as former President Donald J. Trump — then in his first term — ordered nationwide raids to round up and deport undocumented immigrants. Herminia feared she was on the list.
In the end, she was never arrested. A few days ago, we called Herminia back. We asked what has happened to her since Trump left office, and how she is preparing for a second Trump term — in which he has pledged to put the deportation of people like her at the center of his presidency.
Guests: Herminia, an undocumented immigrant who has been living in the United States with her husband and children for more than two decades. (Herminia is not her real name.)
Here’s what we know about the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Across the U.S., there has been widespread anxiety about Trump’s promises to deport immigrants. Some schools are readying educators and immigrant families for a potential wave of deportations.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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