Summary
Immigrant advocates fear children will face severe hardships under Trump’s second term, citing potential policies like reinstating family separations, mass deportations, and reduced protections for migrant youth.
Trump officials may target laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, limiting asylum options for unaccompanied minors.
Advocates also worry about renewed efforts to end DACA, threatening deportation for over 500,000 recipients.
Experts warn these actions could cause lasting psychological harm to children and families, exacerbating trauma across generations.
The cruelty is the point.
Hitler rose to power during the great depression. Deporting immigrants will push us towards a depression. Which is to say, I think Trump sees cruelty as a means towards authoritarianism. Yes, his base is cruel and hateful. But I think Trump’s agenda runs much deeper.