Preparing for Uncertainty: Steps Michigan’s Immigrant Communities Can Take Ahead of Trump Presidency

As the country braces for the transition to a new administration, Michigan’s immigrant communities find themselves at a critical juncture. President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises to implement the “largest deportation operation in American history” have sparked concern and uncertainty. Advocates and legal experts are mobilizing to ensure that noncitizens in Michigan are equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate the potential challenges ahead. Michigan is home to an estimated 130,000 undocumented immigrants, according to Pew Research Center data from 2022. These individuals are part of the 11 million undocumented immigrants across the United States, a community now facing an uncertain future. For those without citizenship but with legal authorization to stay, the stakes are high. Policies under the Trump administration could alter their legal status and disrupt their lives. The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC), a nonprofit legal services organization, has outlined critical steps for noncitizens to take now. These measures aim to safeguard their rights and prepare them for the potential shifts in federal immigration policies. Know Your Rights and Prepare Your Family MIRC emphasizes the importance of noncitizens understanding their legal rights and preparing their families for possible changes. Resources like the MIRC “Know Your Rights” guide...