Migrant families and immigration advocacy groups are preparing for the potential mass deportations planned by President-elect Donald Trump, which could result in millions of families being separated. It is estimated that up to 4 million mixed-status families, where some members are undocumented and others are U.S. citizens, could be impacted by the deportations. Families in states like Arizona, Colorado, and Pennsylvania are planning for scenarios where children could be separated from their parents.
Advocacy groups are helping families create “emergency packets” with important documents in case of potential deportations. There is concern over state-level changes to immigration enforcement, like Arizona’s Proposition 314, which criminalizes illegal entry and allows for deportations. In some cases, law enforcement agencies are expressing concerns about enforcing such laws without proper training or resources.
In states like Colorado, where a surge of migrants arrived in recent years, nonprofit organizations are receiving more inquiries from families about what to do in case of separation. Children in after-school programs are even asking if they will be deported or if their friends will be deported. Families are taking steps to prepare for the uncertain future as they await further details on Trump’s mass deportation plans.
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