What Immigration Policies Has President Trump Changed and How Will They Affect Me if I am an Immigrant?
January 27, 2017, 2 p.m.
What Has Changed and What Has Not Changed?
On Wednesday January 25, President Trump issued two new Executive Orders that change some federal immigration policies. The first order affects the priorities that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are required to follow in removing people from the U.S. under existing laws enacted by the U.S. Congress. The second order affects affects the detention of immigrants in removal proceedings as well as the construction of a “border wall.” Both orders also address the relationships between the federal government and state and local governments in ways that have yet to be determined. The new priorities affecting which immigrants can be removed include people who have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense. If this applies to you, you may want to attend a “Know Your Rights” presentation – see below to find out how and where.
No Executive Order has been issued that takes away the current immigration status or employment authorization of people in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status or any other immigration status.
Other “draft” orders have been circulated that may also be issued in the near future. These drafts, if finalized and issued, will affect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (“DACA”), the U.S. refugee program and the treatment of immigrants who seek to enter the U.S. from several Muslim-majority countries, the immigrant visa and adjustment of status program, and immigrant access to safety net programs. Please check this website on a regular basis, where we will post information about any changes as they are announced.
What Can I Do to Stay Informed About My Rights and to Protect Myself and My Family
1)Attend a Know-Your-Rights presentation. Attached is a calendar of already scheduled presentations for the next two months:
2)To understand more about your rights should you be encountered by ICE or another law enforcement official at work, on the street or at home, see the information here (in multiple languages:
3)If you are undocumented, gather records showing how long you have been living in the U.S., your relationships to any U.S. citizen family members, and your other ties to and contributions to your community. These are documents that could make it easier for a lawyer to help you if you were to be arrested by ICE in the future.
4)If you have a criminal record, try to gather copies of your records. For information about how to get your criminal records in Massachusetts, see (in English, Spanish, & Portuguese)