ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) — As Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, local groups in Rockford are weighing in on how his immigration policies may affect the region.
Immigration attorney Sara Dady explains that a common misconception is that the U.S. immigration system is functioning well. She notes that the laws haven’t changed in nearly 60 years, which is a significant issue. However, she says fixing it is the responsibility of Congress, not the president.
On Thursday night, about 90 people, including some city leaders, gathered to discuss current immigration policies and the expected changes under Trump’s administration.
Dady compared the immigration system to a highway. She explained, “If the road isn’t maintained and there are lots of potholes, closing roads completely can’t fill a pothole.” She advocates for expanding legal pathways for migrants to enter the U.S. One significant challenge is the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which limits green card eligibility and creates long delays in processing visas. Currently, about 800 judges are handling a backlog of four million cases.
In early January, Trump’s pick for Border Czar, Tom Homan, discussed the administration’s mass deportation plans during an interview on Face the Nation. Homan criticized sanctuary cities for not allowing federal officers access to local jails, calling it more difficult to arrest dangerous individuals on the streets than in secure jails.
Dady expressed concern for the 1,000 individuals in Rockford who are enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. She fears that Trump could end the program, as he did during his first term.
“I’m excited to see so much interest in learning about our immigration system. Then, we can lobby our government for sensible changes that benefit us all,” Dady said.
Trump’s nominee for Director of Homeland Security, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, is expected to have her confirmation hearing on Friday. Noem has previously deployed the South Dakota National Guard to the Texas border and referred to the situation as a disaster. She supports Trump’s plan to carry out what could be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
Governor J.B. Pritzker stated he would cooperate with Trump’s immigration officials but emphasized that while violent offenders should be deported, he would defend non-violent migrants, including asylum seekers and others without legal status.
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