(Photo courtesy of NPR) “Donald Trump’s immigration policy has caused much division concerning the tactics used.”
Collin Gallagher
Connector Staff
Since President Donald Trump’s recent inauguration, his administration has very quickly enacted a series of stringent immigration policies that have started widespread debate and have raised concern. These measures include attempts to revoke birthright citizenship and an aggressive escalation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations across the nation. To gain insight into the personal impact of these policies, we spoke with two students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Both of them have unique perspectives on the issue but have requested to be anonymous due to the sensitive nature of this topic.
One student, an immigrant who arrived in the United States during her preteens, and a prominent student leader on campus, expressed disbelief over Trump’s return to office. “Unbelievable how the system works on favoring the rich,” she remarked, highlighting concerns about systemic inequalities that she feels have been exacerbated by the current administration. Her sentiment aligns with critiques that the government’s actions disproportionately benefit affluent individuals while harming marginalized communities.
For her, one of the administration’s most troubling moves has been the attempt to end birthright citizenship, a right protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. An executive order was issued to this effect, but a federal judge very quickly blocked it, deeming it “blatantly unconstitutional.” Questioning the administration’s priorities, she asked, “Why are we focusing on that when the planet is dying?” emphasizing the need to address pressing climate and global issues rather than revisiting established constitutional rights.
The escalation of I.C.E. raids, particularly in and around Massachusetts, has instilled panic in many local communities. Recent operations have led to the detention of many people, including many of those with criminal convictions. The student voiced deep concern for the young people affected: “Why are we going to schools for little kids?” Her apprehension underscores the traumatic impact these raids can have on children and families, disrupting lives and instilling fear in communities.
Another student, a business major and U.S. citizen born under the 14th Amendment to immigrant parents shared his concerns about the administration’s immigration policies. “I’m very fortunate that I was born in this country,” he acknowledged. “I think if you’re born on American soil, you’re American. It’s a little ridiculous that they want to take that away.”
He also spoke about the proposed large-scale deportations, saying, “I’ve heard this is going to be the most massive deportation in U.S. history. I don’t know exactly how big, but I do know that in the area where I live, a lot of undocumented people live. I’m friends with these people, so I do get nervous for them.”
Reflecting on how undocumented individuals navigate the system, he pointed out a major issue: “A lot of them don’t know their rights in this country. That’s a big problem.” He acknowledged that while he sympathizes with those seeking a better life, he also understands the frustrations of legal immigrants. “I do feel bad for them because I know legal immigrants who wait seven or eight years to get through the system. The backlog from illegal immigration slows the process for those who go through it legally, and I can see how that feels like a slap in the face.”
When asked if he would support immigration reform that speeds up legal processes, he was firm in his response: “I definitely support restructuring our immigration system. The process shouldn’t take this long… it gets held up in the courts, and that’s really the problem. If we could streamline it without making it easier, just more efficient, that would be a step in the right direction.”
Both students, despite their differing experiences, agree on one thing: the current policies have created fear and division. One asks, “Why are we taking rights away when we have bigger problems to worry about?” while the other emphasizes that the system needs major restructuring to prevent excessive delays in legal immigration.
The Trump administration maintains that these actions are focused on removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety. The President has stated that the goal is to deport individuals with criminal records, including those convicted of serious offenses such as murder, drug trafficking, and sex crimes. As the nation grapples with these evolving policies, voices like these two students right here on campus highlight the personal and communal impacts of political decisions.
