With former President Donald Trump signaling plans for mass deportations if re-elected, immigrant advocacy groups are urging migrants to seek legal advice to understand their options. Estrella del Paso, an El Paso-based organization supporting migrants, is leading calls for undocumented individuals to get informed and prepare ahead of possible changes to immigration policy.
Melissa Lopez, executive director of Estrella del Paso, stresses the urgency for undocumented immigrants to seek counsel. “The most important thing for everyone to do right now is to secure legal advice to understand their status and options,” said Lopez, noting that swift action can provide essential guidance.
During his campaign, Trump made immigration enforcement a central issue, promising to tighten border security and deport undocumented immigrants. He reaffirmed these goals in a recent speech, pointing to an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., a figure that some GOP leaders believe may now be as high as 20 million. Lopez and other advocates worry this could mark a repeat of his administration’s previous attempts to limit immigrant rights, curtail the refugee system, and close the border.
“We saw firsthand the impact of his first term,” said Lopez, reflecting on her experiences during Trump’s prior presidency. “Our clients faced limitations on due process, dismantled refugee programs, and heightened border restrictions. We’re preparing for similar challenges and will continue to support our communities.”
Advocates warn that mass deportations could have unintended consequences, especially for the U.S. economy, where undocumented immigrants contribute significantly across various sectors. “Undocumented individuals are part of our workforce—agriculture, food production, manufacturing,” Lopez explained. “Deportations would create labor shortages, driving up costs for food production and manufacturing and impacting local businesses.”
As Texas leaders and law enforcement downplay the feasibility of mass deportations, nonprofits anticipate an increased demand for legal aid to help individuals at risk. “We’ll need to stretch our resources to offer essential services, including legal counsel, to help protect individuals from unjust deportation,” Lopez said.
Despite political headwinds, nonprofit leaders remain committed to protecting immigrants’ rights. Marisa Limón Garza, executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, emphasized her organization’s determination: “No change in administration or policy will deter us from fighting for immigrants, LGBTQI+ individuals, women, people of color, and others affected by anti-immigrant agendas. Ours is a culture of resilience.”
With an uncertain future, advocacy groups encourage migrants to seek legal support and learn about available protections. The call to action resonates strongly in immigrant communities, where seeking advice can be a vital step toward securing stability and safety.
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