In the first 100 days of the new administration, 175 major immigration policy changes have reshaped our landscape. These changes affect real people in our community: families seeking safety, students pursuing education, and neighbors contributing to our shared future. The changes include suspending refugee resettlement and revoking protections for previously safeguarded groups through the removal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole. As a result, 530,000 immigrants face uncertainty about their status, while 100,000 pre-approved refugees remain in limbo. International students—vital members of our community—now face heightened scrutiny and visa revocations, with 1,800 students losing their F-1 or J-1 visas. Additionally, mixed-status families risk losing access to essential programs like Head Start.
Immigration enforcement within the country has intensified, with ICE conducting 650 arrests daily. The expansion of 287(g) agreements has led to unprecedented cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, raising significant constitutional and due process concerns. Families now face expedited deportations with limited legal resources.
These policy shifts have prompted 50 lawsuits, three of which have reached the Supreme Court. On May 15, the Court will hear a pivotal case challenging birthright citizenship for children of non-citizen or non-permanent resident parents.
Riverside's Response: Taking Decisive Action to Support Our Community
As the landscape of needs within New York City's immigrant community continues to evolve and present new challenges, Riverside has developed and implemented strategies that protect, empower, and uplift our participants and community members. Our response encompasses multiple vital areas of support:
Enhanced Legal Support Network: We are providing direct access to experienced immigration attorneys through regularly scheduled one-on-one legal clinics. Monthly information sessions are helping Riverside participants understand and navigate how policy changes affect their specific situations, ensuring they have the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their cases.
Mental Health Services: On Tuesday, April 29th, Riverside, in partnership with RaisingHealth, we will host an extensive Mental Health Fair offering culturally sensitive bilingual counseling, comprehensive stress management workshops, specialized trauma-informed care, and thorough mental health assessments. Through our ongoing collaboration with RaisingHealth, we are ensuring that our community has continuous, reliable, and direct access to immigrant-friendly mental health services designed to address their unique needs and experiences.
Education and Empowerment: Our monthly know-your-rights workshops include detailed, practical, and interactive role-playing scenarios that prepare community members for various potential interactions with law enforcement.
Moving Forward Together: Building a Stronger Community
Despite these significant challenges, we remain unwavering and steadfast in our fundamental commitment to supporting and protecting immigrants in New York City. We are determined to ensure that every individual within our community receives not only the essential resources they need, but also the comprehensive support and robust protection they rightfully deserve. Our dedication to this mission continues to drive our efforts forward each day.