The anxiety gripping the community is nothing new, according to Heidy Vidal-Rodriguez, a 17-year-old from McKinney. She was only 9 when President Donald Trump first took office and began tightening immigration policy. "That fear I had when I was a kid has come back," she said, noting that fear follows people in her community everywhere.
Vidal-Rodriguez’s mom got her green card just weeks before Trump took office in January, although she is now legally allowed to live and work in the United States indefinitely. However, her family is still terrified. "Even though she still has those papers, you don’t know if they can be taken away one day," Vidal-Rodriguez said. "There’s still that fear… because that’s how it’s always been."
Many immigrants in North Texas are under a new sense of urgency to obtain citizenship, nervous about what the administration will do to their status. Kimberly Kinser, an immigration lawyer in Plano, says these worries do more harm than good. "I want people to know that if they’re here legally, nothing is going to happen to you," Kinser said. "If you’re a permanent resident, ICE is not going to show up at your door one day and just arrest you."
However, Kinser acknowledges that some of her clients with legal permanent residency, or green cards, are "scared to death" despite their legal protections. She doesn’t think green card holders should be worried. Certain crimes can jeopardize permanent residency and lead to deportation, such as failing to notify the government of a changed address, drug crimes, and driving under the influence. And if people are here illegally, Kinser says, their fears have a lot of merit. But she believes extreme reactions among green card holders are the result of misinformation and fear-mongering.
Nonetheless, people with legal permanent residency report an increased urgency to obtain citizenship. Maria Claudia Vanegas, 42, coordinates education programs at Light of Hope Immigration Law Center in Plano. Their office has been inundated in the past few weeks, flooded with calls from people hoping to get a sense of security. The center’s citizenship classes are completely full, she said.
"So many people that have been residents for years and years, but now they don’t feel safe just with a green card. They need to have also that citizenship," Vanegas said. "They need to do that next step so they don’t risk everything that they have built over the years here."
At a recent workshop in Plano, people who wanted to learn more about their pathway to citizenship filled the school district’s Sockwell Center to learn more about their pathway to citizenship. The free event, hosted annually by the city’s multicultural outreach roundtable for nearly two decades, saw its highest attendance in years, according to organizers, with around 250 attendees and another 50 volunteers.
The event was held to provide information and resources to individuals seeking citizenship, as well as to address concerns about immigration policy and the impact it has on the community. Many in attendance were seeking a sense of security, and Vanegas emphasized the importance of preparing and planning for the future.
"Nobody should be scared," Vanegas said defiantly. "We all should be prepared. That’s what we have to do. No matter your status … Make a plan."
The workshop provided an opportunity for individuals to ask questions, seek advice, and learn more about the process of obtaining citizenship. Many attendees were seeking information on how to navigate the complex immigration system, and some were looking for guidance on how to stay safe in the face of uncertainty.
Vidal-Rodriguez, Fuentes, and others like them are not alone in their concerns. In recent weeks, there has been an increase in reported immigration arrests and deportations, leading to increased anxiety and fear within the community.
Despite the uncertainty, Fuentes remains resolute, saying, "I know that it’s better to just stay calm. Don’t believe a lot of what they say… I’m not going to necessarily stop living my life just because there’s a threat to my existence here."
Conclusion:
The anxiety and fear gripping the community are real, and it is essential for individuals to take steps to ensure their safety and security. For those seeking citizenship, it is crucial to prepare and plan for the future, as the process can be complex and time-consuming. By seeking out resources and information, individuals can better navigate the immigration system and stay informed about changes in policy and procedure.
FAQs:
Q: What is the process for obtaining citizenship?
A: The process for obtaining citizenship typically involves applying for a green card, which can take several years, and then applying for citizenship, which typically takes three to five years after receiving a green card.
Q: What are the requirements for obtaining citizenship?
A: To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having a green card, being a permanent resident, and demonstrating good moral character.
Q: What are the risks associated with not obtaining citizenship?
A: Not obtaining citizenship can leave individuals vulnerable to deportation, and in some cases, even legal permanent residents can be deported if they commit certain crimes or fail to comply with immigration laws.
Q: What can I do to stay safe in the face of uncertainty?
A: Staying informed, seeking out resources and information, and preparing for the future can help individuals stay safe and secure. It is also essential to stay calm and not believe everything you hear, as misinformation and fear-mongering can be detrimental to one’s well-being.
