Immigrant families across the United States are facing difficult choices due to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Some families are considering giving up their unborn children for adoption, while others are naming guardians for their children in case they are detained or deported.
Fear of Deportation
The fear of deportation has led some families to make drastic decisions. Emma Confesor, a 39-year-old mother from Mexico, considered giving up her unborn child for adoption due to the uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. However, after the Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship, Confesor felt relieved.
In Maryland, a Salvadoran mother signed legal papers naming a priest as temporary guardian of her 7-year-old son in case she and her husband were deported. Many families have already been forced into separation, with some children being taken in by relatives, neighbors, or family friends, while others have entered foster care.
Contingency Plans
Many immigrant parents are making contingency plans in case they are detained or deported. Some have stopped working, shopping, or leaving home, relying on neighbors and churches for support. In some cases, churches have moved services online, and congregations are helping families who are too afraid to leave home by ordering groceries or arranging school pickups through volunteers.
In Chicago, a United Methodist pastor reported that fear has changed the rhythms of her community, with many immigrants afraid to go to the store or church. Some churches are helping families by providing support and resources, such as food and childcare.
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have also led to an increase in voluntary departures. A program called Project Homecoming offers free flights and stipends to immigrants who leave the country voluntarily. According to a report, nearly 72,000 people have departed through the program, with more than half already in ICE detention when they enrolled.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
