Jocelyn Ruiz, a fifth-grade student in Phoenix, learned that her mother had entered the United States illegally, causing her to worry about the possibility of her mother being deported. Like Ruiz, more than 22 million people live in households in the U.S. where at least one occupant is in the country without authorization. This issue could become even more pressing if Donald Trump is elected and follows through with a campaign promise to conduct the largest deportation operation in American history.
Immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump’s platform since he first announced his campaign for president in 2015. Despite polling showing the economy as the top concern for voters, Trump remains focused on immigration and criticizes the Biden administration’s handling of the southern border. This has motivated some mixed-status families to speak out, arguing that immigrants contribute to America’s success and deserve a pathway to legal residency or citizenship. On the other hand, there are those who choose to remain silent in hopes of evading attention, while some even support Trump’s plans for immigration crackdowns, despite the risks they face of deportation.
The divide over immigration is deep, with 88% of Trump supporters favoring mass deportation compared to 27% of Kamala Harris supporters. For mixed-status families, the threat of deportation is always on their minds, impacting their daily lives and sense of security. The potential mass deportations could have far-reaching consequences, not only for those living in the country illegally but also for their U.S. citizen relatives who could inadvertently be affected by such policies. Families like Erika Andriola’s have experienced the trauma and anxiety of detention and deportation, highlighting the emotional and economic toll that these actions can have on entire communities.
While advocates like Andriola continue to fight for immigrant rights, others, like Betzaida Robinson, have experienced the pain of having a loved one deported. Despite the hardships she has faced, Robinson believes that Trump and his supporters do not fully understand the impact of their policies on families like hers. However, there are also individuals living in the country illegally who support Trump, citing their own interests and beliefs. In the midst of this political debate, individuals like Victoria Castro-Corral, a member of a mixed-status family, remain optimistic and believe that mass deportation will not come to fruition. She credits her parents for teaching her the importance of remaining positive and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
