Undocumented Immigrants Face Uncertainty and Anxiety as Trump Returns to White House

Undocumented immigrants all throughout the country are experiencing a revival of dread and uncertainty while Donald Trump gets ready for his second term in the White House. For many like 22-year-old Arizona biomedical engineering graduate Angel Palazuelos, Trump's comeback brings back the very real dread of deportation—a fear that has plagued him since learning of Trump's election triumph. Born in Mexico and brought to the United States as a small child, Palazuelos is among many so-called "Dreamers," illegal immigrants who came as minors and have lived almost their whole lives in the U.S. Like others in his circumstances, he now questions what Trump's pledges of mass deportation will mean for his family, himself, and future.

With comments many immigrants felt unfriendly and degrading, Trump expressed a dedication to a crackdown on illegal immigrants across his campaign. Words like "poison the blood" and relentless pledges to guard the border have told illegal immigrants that the next government plans to be severe. Still, the details of Trump's deportation strategy remain unknown, which would not be very consoling for individuals who consider themselves as possible targets.

The recent adoption of a state initiative in Arizona allowing local police more authority to hold those suspected of being undocumented fuels Palazuelos's worries. Although federal agents used to handle immigration concerns, this new law—should it be declared constitutional—would let local officials act based on immigration suspicions, a development many believe will result in racial profiling and prejudice. Palazuelos, whose family consists of U.S. citizens who speak little English, fears he may be targeted based on appearances such his skin tone or language choice.

Concerned about undocumented immigrants in Arizona, 35-year-old Jose Patino advocates for them. Benefiting from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program instituted by previous President Obama, Patino has been allowed to work lawfully in the United States and help his local community. Trump's long-standing intention to destroy DACA, however, leaves his future unknown; his protections are slated to expire next year, thereby perhaps eliminating his legal employment capacity in the nation he considers home. Frustrated by what he perceives as an administration that ignores the contributions of undocumented immigrants, even those who work, pay taxes, and follow the laws, Patino adds, "We're contributing to this country."

The fact that some undocumented immigrants' animosity originates from their own communities heightens their frustration and sense of betrayal. Among the growing number of Latino voters disturbed by the support Trump gets from some Hispanic voters, including family members, is Patino. Given their legal status, he says many Latino supporters might feel they are free from deportation worries; alternatively, they might find a certain degree of security in line with Trump's pledges of economic growth. Patino, who has battled to find basic employment and avoid deportation in the past, finds it difficult to reconcile this support though. "We cannot have a conversation together," he remarks of family members supporting Trump. "It's going to get into an argument and most likely into a brawl.

Undocumented communities are getting ready for a period of increased stress and instability as Trump's inauguration draws near. Like Palazuelos, many struggle with the idea of losing the futures they have worked for and the lives they have created. Others, like Patino, are trying to escape incarceration by considering the tough decision of moving to areas like Colorado or California with sanctuary rules in place.

Undocumented immigrants in the United States still face difficult road ahead, particularly as Trump's immigration policy develops in the next months. Though they are ready for the prospect that the policies that molded Trump's first term may soon resurface with fresh strength, the Dreamers and other illegal immigrants in the nation nevertheless expect for clarity—and maybe a measure of compassion—from the government right now.