Since President Donald Trump has been elected into office, he has used his influence and power in office to limit the number of illegal and legal immigrants coming into the US. He rose to fame in part for his promise to build a wall to keep out immigrants coming in from the Southwestern border, and he and his officials are undermining Obama administration policies, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and creating new, harsher laws.
On April 6, 2018, the Trump administration put the “zero-tolerance policy” into place. This policy locked down on illegal immigrants on the Southwestern US border. The policy “prohibits both attempted illegal entry and illegal entry into the United States by an alien,” according to a press release from the Department of Justice and allows for the immediate deportation of any illegal immigrant found in the United States.
Bowling Green takes pride in its diversity and welcoming atmosphere. According to 2012 statistics from the Census Bureau, 10.6% of Bowling Green’s population was born outside of the US. The city sponsors events such as the International Festival that celebrate unity in such a diversified area, but with the Trump administration’s hostility towards immigrants, the once-welcoming atmosphere has taken on newfound tension..
The International Center of Kentucky’s Executive Director, Albert Mbanfu, said on the shift in attitude towards immigrants, “There is a lot of uncertainty in serving refugees and immigrants because we do not know what policy the administration would adopt next. Some people are openly manifesting open hatred towards refugees, making the Center staff and immigrants afraid of their lives.”
It is easy to assume that federal policy does not directly affect Bowling Green, but the “zero-tolerance policy” has caused a lot of tension.
“Zero tolerance has created fear among immigrants, even those who are legally allowed to stay in the United States. Some who had undocumented family members are moving to states that are more accommodating to undocumented immigrants,” Mbanfu said.
Some of these people crossing the border are trying to escape unimaginable violence, and as a nation, America is turning its back on those in need. While most Americans believe in the need for reform of immigration policies to cut down on the number of illegal immigrants, separating families and creating fear is not the answer.
“Undocumented immigrants should be granted temporary permit to enable them come out of the shadows, obtain full time employment, pay taxes and also take care of themselves,” said Mbanfu.
By Maggie Pollard
On April 6, 2018, the Trump administration put the “zero-tolerance policy” into place. This policy locked down on illegal immigrants on the Southwestern US border. The policy “prohibits both attempted illegal entry and illegal entry into the United States by an alien,” according to a press release from the Department of Justice and allows for the immediate deportation of any illegal immigrant found in the United States.
Bowling Green takes pride in its diversity and welcoming atmosphere. According to 2012 statistics from the Census Bureau, 10.6% of Bowling Green’s population was born outside of the US. The city sponsors events such as the International Festival that celebrate unity in such a diversified area, but with the Trump administration’s hostility towards immigrants, the once-welcoming atmosphere has taken on newfound tension..
The International Center of Kentucky’s Executive Director, Albert Mbanfu, said on the shift in attitude towards immigrants, “There is a lot of uncertainty in serving refugees and immigrants because we do not know what policy the administration would adopt next. Some people are openly manifesting open hatred towards refugees, making the Center staff and immigrants afraid of their lives.”
It is easy to assume that federal policy does not directly affect Bowling Green, but the “zero-tolerance policy” has caused a lot of tension.
“Zero tolerance has created fear among immigrants, even those who are legally allowed to stay in the United States. Some who had undocumented family members are moving to states that are more accommodating to undocumented immigrants,” Mbanfu said.
Some of these people crossing the border are trying to escape unimaginable violence, and as a nation, America is turning its back on those in need. While most Americans believe in the need for reform of immigration policies to cut down on the number of illegal immigrants, separating families and creating fear is not the answer.
“Undocumented immigrants should be granted temporary permit to enable them come out of the shadows, obtain full time employment, pay taxes and also take care of themselves,” said Mbanfu.
By Maggie Pollard