News Americas January 18, 2025
The campaign’s message, designed as a fundraiser targeting small donors, featured a striking headline highlighted in yellow and written in all caps: “ARE YOU AN AMERICAN CITIZEN OR ILLEGAL ALIEN?” The message instructed those who identified as an “illegal alien” to close the mailing immediately.
For those identifying as U.S. citizens, the survey encouraged participation in what was described as a “verified citizens-only survey” before Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. The survey asked respondents to confirm their citizenship status and identify their region of residence twice.
Other questions included demographic inquiries such as age range and gender – offering “male,” “female,” or “insane” as options and opinions on whether only U.S. citizens should be allowed to vote in American elections. For the record, only US citizens can vote in US elections.
The survey concluded by asking supporters whether Trump should prioritize executing a mass deportation operation on his first day in office and what his top priority should be on his first day in office. It also solicited donations in amounts ranging from $10, $20.25, $47 and $100.
Trump has made “mass deportations” a central theme of his 2016 campaign and in his recent run for office. The National Immigrant Justice Center, (NIJC), warns that his administration may expand the use of “expedited removal” alongside neighborhood and workplace immigration raids.
Expedited removal allows immigration officers to deport individuals quickly without due process if they can prove the person entered the U.S. without proper documents and has been in the country for less than two years. Those subjected to this policy can be deported without appearing before an immigration judge.
Additionally, immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for extended periods may still face deportation. Those at higher risk include individuals with prior deportation orders or those with previous involvement in the criminal justice system.
Five Ways Immigrants Can Protect Themselves: To help immigrants prepare for potential enforcement, the NIJC recommends the following actions:
1. Seek a Legal Consultation
2. Create a Safety Plan: Identify and memorize emergency contacts. Provide schools or daycare centers with emergency contacts authorized to pick up your child. Grant written authorization to emergency contacts for making medical and legal decisions for your child. Inform loved ones about ICE’s online detainee locator: ICE Detainee Locator.
3. Collect Important Documents: Store identity and financial documents securely. Compile evidence of your U.S. residency, especially for the past two years (e.g., tax returns, utility bills, school or medical records). Ensure emergency contacts have access to these documents.
4. Avoid Immigration Fraud: Seek legal advice only from licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Verify credentials of legal advisors and avoid signing blank or falsified forms. Be wary of promises that seem too good to be true.
5. Stay Alert for Digital Scams: Be skeptical of social media posts promising quick immigration solutions. Government agencies will not contact you via WhatsApp or social media. Avoid sharing personal information or sending money to unknown contacts. Seek legal advice before responding to unsolicited messages or phone calls.
