How To Fight Trump’s Anti-American Agenda on Immigration and Refugees
Feb 6, 2025
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Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, sheds light on the moral imperative of America’s approach to asylum and refugees. He dismantles viral misinformation about federal aid and underlines the significance of preserving USAID and refugee programs. Konyndyk highlights how polling shows a welcoming attitude toward immigrants among Americans. Alongside Nayna Gupta from the American Immigration Council, they advocate for humane immigration reforms and emphasize empowering communities to take action and support vulnerable populations.
Trump's immigration policies have led to mass detentions and a climate of fear affecting not just undocumented immigrants but also those legally protected.
A humane immigration system should focus on legal pathways for undocumented individuals while emphasizing their substantial contributions to the economy.
Understanding our rights and forming citizen action groups are vital steps individuals can take to confront and resist harmful immigration policies.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Immigration
Immigration is a multifaceted issue that intertwines compassion for those seeking a better life with concerns about security and cultural differences. As a nation built by immigrants, the United States faces the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for external labor with public sentiment that often wavers between acceptance and fear. Politicians frequently navigate this treacherous landscape, which is often marred by sensational headlines aimed at igniting anger and nativism, complicating the public's understanding of immigration. This ongoing struggle necessitates a collective responsibility to confront and resist the rising tide of jingoism that employs immigration as a rallying cry.
Impacts of Trump's Immigration Policies
The Trump administration's immigration policies have initiated unprecedented actions that disproportionately affect various immigrant communities, regardless of their legal status. Trump’s aggressive stance has led to mass detentions and deportations, targeting not just undocumented immigrants, but also those with legal protections, including refugees and asylum seekers. This vast crackdown has created an atmosphere of fear among immigrant populations, prompting many individuals to avoid participating in their communities, thereby impacting local economies and services. Such policies amplify discrimination and misinformation, challenging the core values of inclusion and support for diversity within American society.
Legal Challenges and Immigrant Rights
The current immigration system is highly susceptible to executive discretion, allowing the administration to implement significant changes that can strip immigrants of their rights. Those who are legally residing in the U.S., including documented migrants and those seeking asylum, often find themselves vulnerable to policies that diminish their legal protections. The overwhelmed immigration court system, burdened by a backlog of millions of cases, complicates the ability of immigrants to seek justice and achieve stability. Without accessible legal support, many individuals are left navigating this complex system alone, further exacerbating the challenges posed by enforcement actions.
The Economic Contributions of Undocumented Immigrants
Undocumented immigrants play a critical role in the U.S. economy, contributing over $40 billion in federal taxes and an additional $29 billion in state and local taxes. Many of these individuals have lived in the country for years, integrating into their communities and supporting local economies through essential labor in industries like agriculture and construction. Despite being wrongly labeled as criminals, statistical data shows that fewer than one in ten undocumented immigrants have a criminal record, primarily for non-violent offenses. Emphasizing their contributions underscores the necessity of rethinking harsh immigration rhetoric and policies that fail to recognize the value these individuals bring to society.
Towards a Humane Immigration Policy
A humane immigration policy should prioritize pathways to legal status for the millions of undocumented individuals in the United States while incorporating enforcement mechanisms that encourage compliance with the law. This approach calls for a system that recognizes the long-standing contributions of undocumented immigrants, allowing them to step out of the shadows and fully participate in American life. It is crucial to establish a dialogue rooted in empathy and understanding, contrasting with punitive measures such as mass deportation and militarized enforcement. Creating a balanced framework that integrates compassion with responsibility can foster a more inclusive society while addressing the complexities of immigration.
Trump's immigration crackdown is in full force. Three weeks in, he’s signed 10 executive orders targeting everyone from migrants attempting to cross the border to refugees seeking asylum from their war-torn countries. This week, Stacey Abrams dives deep with two expert guests. Nayna Gupta, Director of Policy at the American Immigration Council, breaks down how immigrants already in the US are being affected, the rise in ICE raids, what a humane immigration system should look like, and how to empower those at risk by knowing our rights. Then, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, explains why America’s stance on asylum and refugees is at the core of who we are as a country and how the world sees us. He debunks viral disinformation about federal aid, discusses the importance of saving USAID and refugee resettlement programs against attack, and shines a light on how polling confirms Americans are in fact welcoming to immigrants. Together, they explain why we should harness a shared vision for our country with immigration as a vital part. Stacey also answers a listener question about how people can form citizen action groups in their local areas.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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Learn & Do More:
To understand more about undocumented immigration, asylum seekers, refugees, and how to know your rights against ICE, visit organizations dedicated to each issue for further insight. This includes Refugees International’s Advocacy Lab, the American Immigration Council, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The National Domestic Workers Alliance also has a helpful guide to know your rights and to prepare yourself.
At a time of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric influencing all members of Congress, it is even more important they know that you support your immigrant friends and neighbors - on both sides of the aisle. Write and call your members of Congress. The Congressional switchboard number is 202-224-3121. Give them your state & zip code and ask to be transferred to your representative and Senators. Please also contact your state and city government to advocate for better policies at the local level.
If you want to help refugees resettle in the US, find an organization in your home state that does this work, like a local mutual aid group. Remember, these are families who have left everything behind. You can help with donations or by volunteering your time—whatever you have the capacity for.
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