President Trump has severely impacted the lives of people seeking asylum and protection in the United States since his second term began. His immigration policies have resulted in mass deportations, homelessness, and fear for many migrants.
Since day one of his presidency, Trump introduced punitive measures that undermined long-standing legal protections, forcing thousands into homelessness. In just a few months, ICE recorded over 1,000 removals and deportations of refugees. The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program was also halted, leaving thousands stranded.
The effects are alarming, with an estimated 3.6 million cases held off due to these actions. Families and individuals are left homeless and fearing for their lives. Many migrant families are too afraid to seek help in fear of detention or deportation.
Psychologist Kim Hunter described a case where a homeless individual refused medical treatment due to fear of ICE presence. This is just one example of the trauma caused by Trump’s policies.
CEO Christine Quinn, of Women In Need, stated that Project 2025, a conservative blueprint aimed at eroding immigrants and vulnerable individuals, has had devastating effects on cities like New York, where homelessness rose by 53% last year.
In other cities, migrants struggle to maintain stability after leaving housing sites. Without work permits, many families are forced into shelters. A Colombian migrant mother shared her experience of struggling to find permanent housing despite receiving support through the Office of Migrant Services.
The process of gaining work permits is long and difficult, leaving individuals without income or a place to call home. Vulnerable migrant families need support and more funding for programs that provide a safety net.
President Biden’s last-minute funding push failed to transfer once Trump took office, suggesting a deliberate effort to shrink HUD and related programs. The effects of these policies will only worsen if consistent national funding cuts continue.
The human cost of the Trump administration’s immigration policies is dire. It’s essential to reallocate funds into programs that support vulnerable populations without punishing or threatening them.
Source: https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/the-human-cost-of-the-trump-administrations-immigration-policies