Warning for South Florida Communities: Mass Deportations Ahead?
President-elect Donald Trump has acknowledged plans to declare a national emergency and use the military for a mass deportation program.
Immigration Attorneys Sound the Alarm
Two immigration attorneys, Willy Allen and Nadine Gedeon, who practice in South Florida, are warning the community about the potential impact of mass deportations.
Who Will Be Affected?
Allen and Gedeon are most concerned about Haitians, who have been the largest group to benefit from the humanitarian parole program. Through the end of September, nearly 214,000 Haitians have arrived in the U.S. under the program.
The Impact on Local Families
Allen warns that mass deportations will have a significant impact on local families, particularly Haitians who have built a life in South Florida. “Who am I worried about? Number one, Haitians,” he said. “Haitians were the one group that had the most entries with the humanitarian parole [program].”
The Two-Year Window is Closing
Immigration experts remind us that the two-year window for those already in the U.S. under the parole program is coming to a close, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in legal limbo and possible deportation orders.
What’s Next for Immigrants?
Gedeon warns that people are panicking and have a reason to panic because they don’t see a future. “Haiti right now is going through a lot. We have gang-infested areas. We have a lot of murderers. And they [immigrants] are worried that they will be sent to their deaths.”
The Economic Impact
Both attorneys agree that the effects of mass deportations will go beyond these groups and will have a significant impact on the local economy, which relies heavily on immigrants who work in agriculture, construction, and other sectors.
Conclusion
As Trump takes office, immigration attorneys Willy Allen and Nadine Gedeon are warning the community about the potential impact of mass deportations. While some groups may be more affected than others, the consequences will be far-reaching and devastating for many families.
FAQs
Q: What is the humanitarian parole program?
A: The humanitarian parole program is a program that allows certain groups of people, including Haitians, Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis for humanitarian reasons.
Q: How many Haitians have arrived in the U.S. under the parole program?
A: Through the end of September, nearly 214,000 Haitians have arrived in the U.S. under the program.
Q: What is the two-year window?
A: The two-year window refers to the time period during which immigrants who have arrived in the U.S. under the parole program can stay in the country legally. The window is closing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in legal limbo and possible deportation orders.
Q: What are the potential consequences of mass deportations?
A: The potential consequences of mass deportations include family separations, violence, and economic devastation for local communities that rely heavily on immigrant workers.
