During its first week back in office, the Trump administration issued broad crackdowns on immigration.
The administration’s slew of executive orders included revoking Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants admitted to the US during the Biden administration and restricting eligibility for work permits.
Some organizations are trying to get ahead of the fear and confusion surrounding immigration policy. More than 100 people attended a “know your rights” event at a Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus Tuesday. Three immigration lawyers presented in Spanish on the meaning of recent executive actions targeting immigration.
People’s risk of collateral detention and removal is higher than it was two months ago, according to immigration lawyer Dallin Lykins. A director attorney at Lewis Kappes said lawyers are on their toes.
“The reality is, it may not be quite as high as a lot of people are fearing it may be, but it's hard to guess,” he said. “It's hard to estimate that right now, I think it's legitimate to be concerned about an increased presence in your community, about detentions and all those kinds of things. I think that's a realistic concern to have.”
Having experienced a similar administration eight years ago, Lykins said lawyers are better prepared on what to expect.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun issued an executive order that law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal immigration agents, though it’s something already required under Indiana law. Several bills have been proposed this session aimed at immigration enforcement.
Angela Adams, an immigration attorney at Adams Immigration Law, LLC, hopes the presentation can counteract fear and misinformation in Indiana’s immigrant communities.
“I've never seen so many questions after a presentation,” she said. “And I've been doing this for over 20 years.”
She wants to help people avoid scams and understand their options. She went over documentation and basic estate planning, such as temporary guardianships for children and designated power of attorney.
“I think that's why we're here tonight, is to help people who are scared to maybe not be as scared,” Adams said. “And also to know that there are people who care about them.”
