Trump Turns Immigrants’ Hopes to Fears
America—long called "the land of opportunity"—is a country built by immigrants, for immigrants. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump during his first term in office, this narrative was challenged in ways that many had never imagined. Now As someone who has personally experienced the harsh realities of immigration in the U.S., I know firsthand how these policies have torn families apart and instilled fear in immigrant communities.
In 2008, when Russia invaded my home country, Georgia, my family lost everything—our home, our sense of security, and any hope for a future. Desperate to escape the war between Georgia and Russia, I first sought refuge in Italy before ultimately coming to the U.S. on an F-1 student visa. Leaving my baby boy behind, who couldn’t join me due to visa issues, was the hardest part.
I knew that my journey was about providing a better life for my family. Through determination and hard work, I eventually became a caregiver, sending money back home to support my son, my mother, and my family. In 2017, I received a deportation letter from the Trump administration—a letter that shattered my American dream. Thanks to my American husband, I was able to stay. Many immigrants like me aren't as fortunate.
The fear of deportation is real for millions of immigrants in the U.S. Trump’s rhetoric and policies have made immigrants feel unwanted, unworthy, and insecure in a country they’ve contributed to for years. Immigrants are the backbone of industries in the U.S., often taking on jobs many Americans refuse to do: caregiving, housekeeping, cooking, construction, farming, and driving. Despite being the backbone of American society, under Trump’s administration, many are being targeted for deportation.
The Georgian community in the Hamptons also felt the weight of these policies. People who fled war, poverty, and political instability in search of safety in America are now living in constant fear of being sent back into danger.
One of the most heartbreaking consequences of Trump's immigration policies was the separation of families. In 2018, the administration's "zero tolerance" policy led to thousands of children being separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. This policy traumatized families and left permanent scars. Although it was eventually reversed, the damage had already been done.
Even after the policy change, many immigrants are still uncertain about their future. Many worry that their children, who have grown up in the U.S., could one day be forced to leave the country they call home. Immigrants like me, who have worked hard to build lives for our families, wonder if we'll be ripped away from everything we’ve worked for.
Deportation may be viewed as a political and economic necessity by some, but it has significant consequences. According to a 2020 report by the American Immigration Council, undocumented immigrants alone contribute about $11.7 billion in state and local taxes annually. They make up nearly 20% of the workforce in agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Without these workers, who will fill these roles? A labor shortage would result in higher prices, slower services, and decreased economic productivity.
As someone who has seen both sides—the dream of coming to America and the nightmare of the constant threat of deportation—I believe that the U.S. must do better. To align with the historical precedent set within the past 150 years, immigrants who are already residents and contributing to this country deserve a clear path to citizenship. They should not have to live in fear of being torn from their families and their homes. From their labor to their entrepreneurial spirit, immigrants are vital to the success of this country. It’s time to stop villainizing them and start recognizing their contributions.
As the late U.S. Senator John McCain once said, "We are all immigrants. And in the end, we must make this country live up to its values." This nation has always been known as a land of hope and opportunity. For many, that hope still exists—but only if we make the right decisions. It's time to remember that America was built by immigrants, and its future depends on them too.
To create a more humane and compassionate immigration system, we need comprehensive reform that provides a path for citizenship for undocumented immigrants who contribute to society. The current system is broken, and it’s crucial that both political leaders and citizens recognize the value that immigrants bring to the country. Instead of focusing on deportations and building walls, we should work toward comprehensive immigration reform that provides a path for all families to live without fear.