For many college students, the stress of exams, tuition, and deadlines is enough to keep us awake at night. However, for many students with undocumented family members or who come from immigrant communities, the current political climate has introduced an additional layer of fear. With Trump’s recent executive order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, and the rise in aggressive immigration enforcement, many students are now worried about their families and communities, and outraged with the lack of sympathy for the immigrants who make this country great.
Across campus, the new administration’s swift establishment of numerous executive orders targeted at immigration has shifted the conversation from coursework and class registration, to concern for our communities and confusion on the constitutionality of the newly established presidential orders that contradict what we learn in class.
Many students fear that the influx of ICE raids will target their hometowns next, with frequent warnings popping up in various communities regarding sightings of immigration officers. The online and social media communities have been flooded with an influx of infographics and informative posts to help people understand their rights and how to protect themselves at this stressful time which has fostered a sense of both solidarity and anxiety among students across the US.
In response, student activism is gaining momentum. Campuses are seeing an increase in “Know Your Rights” workshops, petitions for sanctuary campus status, as well as an increase in protests across affected areas such as Texas and southern California.
Student-led organizations are also mobilizing to provide legal resources and safe spaces for those affected. However, activism carries risks, particularly for undocumented students and those from mixed-status families, who fear drawing attention to their communities.
Still, despite the fear and uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the resilience of immigrant communities and their allies is unwavering. Students are continuing to show up for one another, amplify voices that need to be heard, share essential information to protect their communities, and refusing to let fear dictate the future. Even as the political landscape grows more volatile, the message on campuses remains strong—immigrants are a vital part of this country, and they are not alone in this fight.