Protecting Ourselves Under Trump’s New Immigration Policies: A Guide for AUC Students
By Amel Mohdali
As Atlanta University Center students, professors, and staff, we must be aware of President Trump’s recent executive measures on immigration. Our communities will be deeply impacted by the new policies that were announced on Jan. 20 and 21, 2025. These policies will especially impact educators, historically underrepresented groups, and international students. The purpose of this guide is to explain these policies and the possible repercussions while providing advice on how to keep ourselves and our peers safe.
The so-called "Muslim Ban" imposed under Trump's presidency was a broad prohibition on people from the Global South, disproportionately affecting those from non-European countries, including the Middle East and Africa. Although presented as a national security measure, the policy essentially functioned as a racial immigration ban, banning individuals from nations with a majority of non-white citizens while generally ignoring European countries. Severe visa limitations for African nations, such as Kenya, Sudan, and Nigeria, limited the chances available to professionals, families, and students wishing to travel to the United States (U.S.). This policy was an example of a larger pattern within Trump's immigration agenda, which gave exclusionary racialized security narratives precedence over justifiable scholarly and humanitarian concerns.
The Laken Riley Act, which was just passed, was the first law President Trump signed into law during his second term. The act bears the name of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia whose untimely death provoked national discussion. On Feb. 22, 2024, José Antonio Ibarra, an immigrant, killed Riley while she was jogging at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. After being detained and accused of several heinous offenses, Ibarra was found guilty and given a life sentence. After it was discovered that Ibarra had been apprehended crossing the border but had been released into the U.S., the story garnered widespread media attention and sparked conversations about illegal immigration.
By changing the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Laken Riley Act gives U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) more power to deport refugees and asylum applicants. It forbids the granting of visas to citizens of nations who are unwilling to accept the return of their deported citizens and mandates obligatory detention for unauthorized immigrants with a history of criminal convictions. ICE can target people for minor crimes like speeding tickets or even deport them without a criminal conviction, thanks to the Laken Riley Act. It essentially legitimizes the ruthless policies of previous governments, causing a generalized fear of deportations and family separations. While comprehensive immigration reform has long been needed, Congress has failed to address the system's requirements, as evidenced by the recent rejection of a bipartisan package. The Laken Riley Act is a step backward rather than a stride forward, allowing cruel practices and upholding an unfair system. Although it could seem like a solution to immigration issues on the surface, there is a chance that it will be abused, further scarring communities who are already at risk.
The Laken Riley Act was supported by 46 Democrats, including U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, a Democrat from Georgia and a graduate of Morehouse College. Warnock's vote on this bill contradicts his previous advocacy for fairness and equity . While he frequently emphasizes the value of defending underprivileged groups, his backing of this measure will only make things more difficult for minorities and immigrants. He is effectively supporting a system that disproportionately targets disadvantaged populations, precisely the kind of injustice he claims to oppose, by endorsing a policy that could result in the imprisonment and deportation of people who have only committed minor infractions.
With more executive orders being passed daily, we are witnessing stricter screening of visa applications mandated under Trump's executive order on "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats." People from "high-risk" countries, which are nations that are thought to be at a notably higher risk of financial crimes including money laundering and financing terrorism, may face delays, heightened scrutiny, and travel restrictions. Due to lengthy visa processing delays, travel may be difficult for professors and international students from impacted countries. Future students and faculty from these areas may have trouble getting visas. Traveling overseas puts researchers and conference goers at risk of not being allowed to return to the USA.
The recent revisions to immigration laws may provide serious difficulties for international students on F-1 or J-1 visas. The possibility of more stringent inspection when traveling outside the U.S. is one of the most significant concerns for students with these visas. The new presidential orders may cause prolonged delays or denials for visa renewals, especially for students from high-risk nations or those impacted by the "Muslim Ban." Returning to the U.S. after international travel may become challenging, particularly if you have to deal with lengthy visa reapplication procedures. Before making travel arrangements, students who intend to leave the country should ensure they have the most recent versions of their visa papers and consider speaking with their Designated School Official (DSO) or the closest American consulate.
While studying in the U.S., overseas students must also be careful to adhere to all visa regulations. Even little infractions could result in problems with visa status and possibly expulsion. Students must, for instance, continue to be enrolled full-time and refrain from working illegally. Due to increased immigration status monitoring, students must maintain academic standing and complete all reporting obligations. Students should consult an immigration lawyer or the international student office at their university if these regulations jeopardize their visa. Students can retain their legal status during their studies by taking proactive steps to renew their visas on schedule, keeping in regular contact with the appropriate university authorities, and being aware of the particular consequences of the new regulations.
It is essential to know your rights when dealing with U.S. ICE and other law enforcement officials, particularly given recent presidential orders that target members of the immigrant community. ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are among the agencies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that may be involved in immigration enforcement activities. The Constitution and U.S. law guarantee the right to due process and the freedom to participate in peaceful political activities, regardless of whether you are an American citizen, permanent resident, student, or even a worker on a visa. Knowing and using your legal rights is crucial when dealing with law enforcement. Please remember your rights listed below when a DHS or ICE official contacts you, regardless of whether you are a citizen of the United States or not.
You can stay silent if DHS, ICE, or another immigration enforcement official approaches you publicly or at your residence. You are exempt from answering any queries regarding your immigration status or other personal information unless you are in custody. Additionally, you are entitled to inquire whether you are being held and, if not, if you are free to depart. It is prohibited for officers to inquire about your political or religious views, membership in any groups, previous remarks, activities, or travel history. To inform officials that you are using your legal rights, consider carrying a "know your rights" card.
Even if you are not a citizen or have been arrested or detained, you are legally entitled to have counsel present when you interact with federal law officials. Refusing to answer inquiries does not indicate crime and cannot be used against you; on the contrary, giving false information might be more harmful than keeping quiet. The best person to defend your rights is an attorney, so get legal counsel immediately and never sign or say anything without first speaking with one. Since law enforcement cannot listen in on talks between you and your attorney, you should only discuss your immigration status with your lawyer. Although ICE does not offer legal representation, you can ask for pro bono counsel or get help from your consulate. Additionally, you are entitled to know the charges against you and to have a hearing before an immigration judge.
Unless a law enforcement official has a legal warrant, you are not required to let them into your house, place of worship, or place of education. Do not allow officers in by opening the door. If an ICE or DHS official asks for your admission, find out if they have a judge-signed deportation warrant with the correct information. You can say, "I do not consent to your entry," if they are not allowed entry without such a warrant. You can ask them to slide the warrant below or talk to them via the door. You have the right to silence even in this circumstance.
Officers at your door must display their badges, and you can ask for identification. Keep your cool, and do not resist. Keep track of everyone who is arrested or detained, film videos, and make notes about names and badge numbers. Speak with a lawyer and complain to the relevant internal affairs department immediately.
Keep your identification with you always, such as with your green card. Do not bring any foreign documents that might be used against you. Non-citizens of the United States (U.S) are required by federal law to always carry their registration documents. You are not required to answer any more questions without a lawyer present after you have presented your immigration status to an officer. Do not fabricate documents or tell lies. Create a safety plan that includes storing crucial documents in a safe place and learning the phone numbers of important family members.
If an officer in Georgia is confronting you:
It is essential to remain composed when law enforcement inquires about your immigration status. You should keep your hands visible and refrain from running, arguing, or resisting the officer. Never lie about your status or present fictitious documentation. Since whatever you say could be used against you in court, you have the right to stay silent and are not compelled to speak with police or immigration officials about your citizenship or immigration status. You do not have to agree to a search, but you must present your documents if an immigration officer asks for them and you have them. Bring your immigration documents if you are older than eighteen; if not, declare your want to remain silent or seek legal advice.
Georgia's loitering laws provide police officers with wide latitude to investigate people if they are discovered in an odd or suspicious location or activity. As a "Stop and Identify" state, Georgia requires people to give their names when they are pulled over by the police under specific circumstances. However, people cannot answer additional questions without legal counsel beyond supplying their identity. The legislation also stipulates that officers must give someone a chance to explain why they are there before making an arrest. If the answer is legitimate, there will be no conviction. Since loitering is a misdemeanor, local governments can impose extra rules that limit it. Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by these policies, which frequently result in racial profiling and unwarranted detentions.
If you are a student and want a “know your rights” training on campus, contact CAIR Georgia:
For students who wish to oppose detrimental immigration laws and promote change, grassroots organization is an effective strategy. Students can raise their voices and take action against unfair practices by banding together and organizing locally. Participating in student-led rallies and demonstrations that demand the protection of immigrant rights and the abolition of discriminatory immigration laws is one efficient way to get involved. These gatherings offer a chance to increase public awareness, inspire community members, and pressure legislators to pass legislation. Students can also participate in letter-writing campaigns or petitions to persuade national, state, and local legislators to embrace more compassionate reforms or repeal detrimental immigration policies.
Students around Atlanta have been actively planning and hosting protests against these measures. Students at universities such as Emory hold debates, advocacy seminars, and demonstrations to increase public understanding of how Trump's immigration policies affect immigrant populations. To provide resources, information, and direct help, campuses have also seen the establishment of alliances with regional immigrant rights organizations. In addition to opposing detrimental policies, students can strengthen their support system for their immigrant classmates and contribute to developing an inclusive and just environment by engaging in grassroots organizing.
References
Immigrant Defense Project. (n.d.). We Have Rights. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://www.wehaverights.us/
Immigrant Legal Resource Center. (n.d.). Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
National Immigrant Justice Center. (n.d.). Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://immigrantjustice.org/know-your-rights/ice-encounter
