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The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has launched a campaign against the imminent threats posed by a second Donald Trump presidency in the United States and his proposed Project 2025 agenda. NYIC, an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, led a rally in Foley Square in lower Manhattan on Thursday night with member organizations, allies, and Caribbean and other immigrant New Yorkers in "standing up for immigrants."
NYIC president and chief executive officer Murad Awawdeh told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Project 2025 "seeks to create a nationwide deportation system that will have devastating consequences for many vulnerable communities."
"Donald Trump has explicitly threatened to deploy local law enforcement to deport all undocumented immigrants in the US – an estimated 11 million people – including around 4,500,000 people residing in New York," Awawdeh said.
These policies undermine the rights and dignity of immigrants but also aim to dismantle the principles of inclusion and justice that define our country. Mass deportations would cost New York City alone billions of dollars in economic activity, reducing the workforce by hundreds of thousands of people and destroying countless small businesses," he warned.
On the campaign trail, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, had constantly disparaged immigrants, particularly Haitians residing in Springfield, Ohio.
Trump had frequently falsely claimed, even during his only Presidential Debate with US Vice President Kamala Harris, the daughter of retired Jamaican economist Dr. Donald Harris, that Haitians were eating the dogs, cats, and other pets of their neighbors in Springfield. The mayor of Springfield and the governor of Ohio had repeatedly stated that there was no evidence to support Trump’s claim.
The US President-Elect also said that deporting immigrants will be his top priority on Day One when he assumes the presidency on Inauguration Day, on January 20, 2025.
NYIC, HBA, and other organizations have spoken out against Trump’s rhetoric and policies, emphasizing the need to protect immigrant communities and promote a just and equitable immigration system.
New York State Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents District 22 in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, said the outcomes of Tuesday’s US Presidential Elections "have instilled a wave of uncertainty in marginalized communities across New York, particularly within our Haitian community, who are grappling with the looming threat of deportation under the new administration."
"We remain resolute in our dedication to safeguard our neighbors and strive toward a just and equitable immigration system," said the fifth-term legislator.
The Guyanese-born founder and executive director of the Caribbean Equality Project, Mohamed Q. Amin, said that while "the political landscape may shift, in these times of uncertainty and change, we at Caribbean Equality Project remain steadfast in our dedication to empowering Caribbean LGBTQ+ New Yorkers."
"Our journey, as LGBTQ+ individuals, is marked by stories of courage and resilience. We have faced challenges head-on, from advocating for our civil rights, immigration reform, and trans equity to navigating continued racism and the complexities of the COVID-19 crisis," said Amin.
New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés said, "Now is the time for our community to stand strong and fight to protect one another."
"As the chair for NYC Council’s Committee on Immigration, I know that every New Yorker has a role to play in protecting our city’s sanctuary status – policies that have kept our community members safe for decades," said Avilés.
Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), Manuel Castro, said, "New York City will continue to stand firmly by the values that have made it a thriving city of immigrants, where all residents—no matter their immigration status—should feel able to trust their local government and seek a better future for themselves and their families."
"We understand that our immigrant communities are facing heightened fear and uncertainty," said Castro. "They must know that New York City is fully committed to following our Sanctuary City laws."
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said the city "and the people who call it home are resilient, and we will always remain steadfast in our commitment to the values that shape our communities."
"We remain prepared to protect New Yorkers from any anti-democratic and unconstitutional attacks that threaten the people of our diverse city. New York City is home to affluent immigrant communities who have built our town and powered its economy, and we will continue to be a beacon for them," Adams added.
Conclusion
The fight to protect immigrant communities and promote a just and equitable immigration system is far from over. As the US government prepares to implement new policies and programs, it is crucial that we continue to stand together and demand a better future for all. We must work to educate ourselves and others about the issues affecting immigrant communities, and we must advocate for policies that prioritize dignity, respect, and fairness.
FAQs
Q: What is Project 2025?
A: Project 2025 is a proposed initiative by the Trump administration that aims to create a nationwide deportation system.
Q: What are the consequences of mass deportations?
A: Mass deportations would have devastating consequences for many vulnerable communities, including reducing the workforce by hundreds of thousands of people and destroying countless small businesses.
Q: How can I get involved in the fight to protect immigrant communities?
A: There are many ways to get involved, including educating yourself about the issues affecting immigrant communities, advocating for policies that prioritize dignity and respect, and supporting organizations that work to protect immigrant rights.
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