As the incoming Trump administration gears up to take office with plans for mass deportations, stricter border measures, and aggressive action to restrict lawful and unlawful immigration, Southern California organizations serving immigrant communities are mobilizing to address anticipated changes to immigration policies. Last month, Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) partnered with the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) to host a workshop on Post-Election Asylum Case Considerations. Advocates and attorneys from more than a dozen community organizations came together to strategize on how to protect vulnerable immigrant communities.
CGRS delved into anticipated enforcement measures and changes to substantive law and procedure, as well as potential short and long-term actions advocates should consider. Key concerns included immigration raids, the re-opening of closed cases, and potential legislative and regulatory shifts. Attendees shared their experiences, drawing lessons from the first Trump administration and discussed strategies to mitigate the impacts of new policies and safeguarding affected individuals.
Latoya Belle, Director of the Immigration Practice Group at ICLS, emphasized the unwavering commitment of immigrant advocates:
“We understand the uncertainty and fear gripping immigrant and other vulnerable communities. Immigration advocates across the nation share in those sentiments. Regardless of what lies ahead, we choose to channel fear into action and resolutely move forward in the spirit of hope. We will continue showing up and stand steadfast, working with our partners to ensure every resource and avenue are available to advocate for and empower those we serve.”
Representatives from organizations such as the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California, Immigrant Refugee Legal Services, Centro del Inmigrante, the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, and the USC School of Law Immigration Clinic joined the training. The collaborative effort underscored a shared commitment to defending immigrant rights across Southern California.
Despite the uncertainty ahead, the solidarity displayed at this training demonstrates the determination and resilience of advocates to protect and support immigrant rights and communities in the face of the challenges to come.