EVANSVILLE, Ind. – As President Trump’s administration continues to roll out significant changes to U.S. immigration policies, local immigrant communities are left grappling with uncertainty. Several of the president’s early executive actions focused on immigration issues, including proposals to end birthright citizenship, suspend asylum seeker programs, and declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border.
In Evansville, Indiana, the opening of the new Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center this February comes at a pivotal moment. The center, designed to provide legal assistance and connect immigrants with essential resources, aims to help individuals navigate the complexities of changing policies. Volunteers are already in the process of moving into the center’s new office, while still consulting with legal experts to provide clarity on the evolving landscape of immigration law.
Ely Sena-Martin, the board president of the Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center, expressed concerns about the difficulties immigrants face in light of the ongoing policy shifts. “Navigating exactly where to connect people and how that’s going to be a challenge in terms of being knowledgeable,” Sena-Martin said. “Things might change rapidly, and it’s hard for immigrants to know what rights they may have.”
The unpredictable nature of the legal landscape, coupled with shifting decisions in the courts, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty. For many immigrants, this uncertainty is exacerbated by the practical challenges of daily life—working to support families, sending children to school, and understanding the potential legal consequences of policy changes.
Sena-Martin emphasized that the effects of these immigration changes are not limited to undocumented individuals. Many immigrants who are in the country legally, following the proper procedures, also face concerns about the future. “There’s also concerns for those who are following every step, the kinds of professional, talented people that we want in our communities,” she said. “These changes will also create issues for them.”
One of the most pressing concerns, according to Sena-Martin, is the potential end of birthright citizenship, which could affect U.S.-born children of immigrant parents. “Some of the changes that are coming might make parents feel like even schools might not be a safe place,” she noted. “Then I worry about what will happen with those children if they’re not in school.”
The Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center is already taking steps to inform and support the community. In advance of the center’s official opening, the organization is hosting a webinar on January 30th to help immigrants, advocates, and allies understand the new orders and how they may impact their rights. The webinar will also provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and seek guidance on navigating the legal and social challenges posed by the recent changes.
As the immigrant community in Evansville prepares for the opening of the center, uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. immigration law remains a significant concern. For many, the center represents a vital resource in times of change.
