Lansing, MI – As the country enters 2025, one of the most significant changes anticipated is in the realm of immigration and deportation policy under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. With the new administration set to take office in less than a month, experts and advocates are bracing for sweeping changes that could reshape the lives of immigrants, particularly in Michigan, where around 690,000 immigrants reside, including approximately 90,000 who are undocumented.
During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to take immediate action on immigration, promising some of the most aggressive enforcement measures in recent U.S. history. According to immigration law expert Julie Powers, the incoming administration has made it clear that it intends to mobilize local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to carry out what they describe as the largest deportation campaign the nation has ever seen. Powers, the executive director of Immigration Law & Justice Michigan, warns that these changes could bring major shifts to everyday life for immigrant communities.
One of the most pressing concerns, Powers explains, is the anticipated increase in workplace raids targeting industries that heavily rely on immigrant labor. These industries, which include agriculture, construction, and food processing, are likely to see a rise in enforcement actions. For the first time in over a decade, the administration is expected to relax restrictions on raids, allowing law enforcement to target businesses that were previously protected from such interventions.
“People are going to be afraid to go to work. They’re going to be afraid to get healthcare services, enroll their children in school, and even attend religious services,” Powers says. “This is a deeply sad reality for immigrants who have built strong, vibrant communities here.”
In addition to workplace raids, the incoming administration has signaled that it plans to empower local residents to report individuals they suspect of being undocumented, potentially leading to immediate arrests. Powers expresses concern that this could create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, comparing it to the tactics used in Nazi Germany. “It’s going to be neighbors informing on neighbors, and that’s a terrifying dynamic for communities to face,” she says.
For Michigan’s undocumented immigrant population, the looming changes signal a need for urgent legal preparedness. Experts recommend that immigrants ensure their documentation is current and valid. Powers encourages anyone in the immigration process, whether they are seeking citizenship, holding a green card, or waiting for a visa, to consult with an attorney and ensure their paperwork is in order.
“It’s easy to make mistakes in the process,” Powers notes. “Having a lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of immigration law, especially now with the heightened enforcement measures likely to come.”
As the nation braces for these sweeping changes, immigration advocates in Michigan are working hard to prepare their clients for what could be a dramatically different landscape. The anticipated shifts in policy are expected to affect not only undocumented immigrants but also lawful permanent residents, asylum seekers, and other individuals in various stages of the immigration process.
For many in Michigan, the coming year will be a time of uncertainty, as they wait to see how the new administration’s policies will unfold and what impact they will have on their communities. As the clock ticks down to inauguration day, immigrants and their advocates are gearing up for what could be a challenging and tumultuous time.
