Standing with Our Community in Uncertain Times
Across the nation, immigrant families are facing mounting barriers as sweeping new policies reshape the immigration landscape. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), signed in July 2025, dramatically expands enforcement by dedicating billions of dollars to detention, deportation, and border security. Alongside this, new fees have been introduced across nearly every immigration process: asylum seekers must now pay application and annual maintenance fees; work permits based on asylum, parole, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) carry steep, unwaivable charges; and even children applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status are now required to pay. These costs, combined with penalties for unauthorized border crossings and appeals, are placing legal stability further out of reach for thousands.
Executive orders have reinforced expedited removals, curtailed sanctuary protections, and mandated detention for many individuals charged with crimes, regardless of trial outcomes. Refugee admissions remain suspended, while a new presidential proclamation restricts travel from twelve countries deemed threats to national security. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded its partnerships with local law enforcement by paying salaries and bonuses for officers who participate in immigration enforcement—raising concerns about racial profiling and deepening fear in immigrant communities.
Impact at Riverside
At Riverside, we are already witnessing how these shifts are being felt locally. Our participants are arriving with greater social service needs, particularly for housing, food, and healthcare, as protections weaken and economic insecurity grows. Employment access is shrinking as work permits become more costly and harder to obtain. And while registration numbers have not fallen sharply, we are carefully monitoring the impact of this climate of fear. In response, Riverside is redoubling its outreach and engagement efforts, making sure that our community knows our doors remain open and that we are a trusted partner in difficult times.
Despite the uncertainty, Riverside remains steadfast in our mission. We are building stronger connections with community partners, providing accurate and timely information, and ensuring that our spaces are safe and welcoming. We know that the challenges ahead are significant, but our commitment to resilience, solidarity, and compassion is stronger than ever.