The United States has always been a nation of immigrants. And no place is that more true today than in California, where first-generation immigrants make up more than a quarter of the population, more than any other state.
More than half of Californians and 62% of Los Angeles County residents are either foreign-born or have at least one immigrant parent, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census data.
With President Donald Trump taking office next month, immigrant communities are understandably fearful and preparing for the worst. Immigrant deportation is at the top of the president-elect’s 20-point agenda, pledging to: “Closing borders and stopping immigration” and “2. Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history.”
The next administration will use the military and mass detention centers to illegally deport millions of immigrants in the country, along with their U.S. family members, and strip millions of immigrants of their temporary legal status. , promised to reinstate President Trump’s Muslim ban and abolish birthright. citizenship. These and other policies, if implemented, will tear families and communities apart and harm the economy.
With these clouds looming on the horizon, it is critical that we recognize the role immigrants play in our communities.
Immigration has always been the lifeblood of a country, a source of growth, diversity and innovation. California is home to more than 11 million first-generation immigrants from all backgrounds and walks of life, from the working class and middle class to the highest echelons of society. Among them are influential figures such as Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, and Labor Party leader Ada Briseño, as well as some of the world’s most influential people, such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang. These include powerful business executives, all of whom are immigrants.
California is the world’s fifth largest economy and would be one of the states hardest hit by the proposed policy. People who could be caught up in a mass deportation plan include teachers, coaches, child care workers, home health workers and long-term care workers. California farms supply more than one-third of the nation’s vegetables and three-quarters of the nation’s fruits and nuts, but like many other parts of the state’s economy, the state’s farm workers At least half are in the country illegally and are sustained primarily through immigrant labor. such as construction and service jobs.
Apart from the economic damage, the suffering caused to immigrant families and their children by strict policies is immeasurable. Immigrant rights groups are currently reviewing assistance programs they implemented to address deportations during the first Trump and Obama administrations, including “Know Your Rights” workshops to assist immigrants with legal responses and assistance. Many are being restarted. Some have created programs to help parents develop contingency plans in case their child is taken into custody. Some are planning marches to rally support.
Local leaders, including the Los Angeles School Board, City Council and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, have taken steps to reaffirm sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal authorities on immigration matters. Local governments are taking steps to protect immigrants and their families from the Trump administration’s proposed plan, including increasing funding for legal services. But we may need to do more to fight back against the excesses of nativism and use that power to protect children and families.
Ordinary people can also help, even in small ways, by supporting immigrant rights groups, volunteering to help permanent residents apply for citizenship, and calling on members of Congress to take action to protect immigrants. Changes can also be made in form. They can appear at rallies, protests, and local government meetings to stand up for migrants and their families in the face of inhuman attacks.
If the next administration makes its plans a reality, everyone will know that what harms immigrant communities will harm everyone, including those drawn to campaign promises to crack down on immigration. It will become clear. At that point, we all have a responsibility to speak up and defend that most American of ideals: that this country was built by immigrants seeking a better life, and that they have made America stronger in every way.
