Advocating for WA Immigrants Under Trump

Back in 2017, President Donald Trump arrived in office touting big promises about immigration.

Remember building a wall and making Mexico pay for it? Or defunding sanctuary cities?

Trump had mixed success fulfilling those pledges, though not for lack of trying. Many of his policy goals couldn’t get past the courts, or Congress.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump made even more immigration-related promises: mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship for some, and tightening the U.S.’s green card application process.

Now, with more experience and savvy, the Trump administration is positioning itself to hit the ground running.  

So are people on the other side of the immigration fight. 

Here to discuss lessons from Trump’s first presidency and preparations for a second term are two Puget Sound-area immigrant advocates.

Matt Adams is legal director for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.

And Vanessa Reyes (they/them) is a policy manager for the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network.

American Immigration Council - Mass Deportation: Devastating Costs to America, Its Budget and Economy

New York Times: Judge Tosses Out Biden Program for Undocumented Spouses

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