Nora Sandigo, a beacon of hope for undocumented immigrant families, hosted a crucial pre-inauguration luncheon in the face of mounting anxiety surrounding Donald Trump’s impending presidency. With Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, underscored by his campaign promises of mass deportations, a palpable fear gripped many residing in the US without proper documentation or on temporary permits. Sandigo’s gathering served as both a practical guide and a source of comfort, equipping families with vital information and a sense of preparedness for the uncertain times ahead. She emphasized the importance of documentation, distributing a list of essential papers including identification, healthcare, school records, and immigration documents, urging attendees to safeguard these vital records. Critically, she shared her personal phone number, instructing parents to ensure their children memorized it – a lifeline in case of unexpected separation. This simple act underscored the potential gravity of the situation, acknowledging the very real possibility of families being torn apart.
Sandigo’s message resonated with the approximately 20 attendees, including young children, who gathered to receive guidance on navigating potential encounters with immigration authorities. She advised them not to succumb to fear but rather to adopt a proactive approach, taking necessary security precautions in all aspects of their lives. This included understanding their rights and having a plan of action should immigration officials arrive at their doorstep. Sandigo’s role extended beyond this informational session; for 15 years, she has selflessly acted as a guardian for over 2,000 children under the age of 15, providing them with a legal safety net in a precarious environment. Her dedication exemplifies the vital support system that has emerged within immigrant communities to address the challenges posed by increasingly stringent immigration policies.
Erlinda, a 45-year-old Salvadoran immigrant who arrived in the US in 2013, personifies the anxieties pervading immigrant families. Having designated Sandigo as the guardian of her US-born children, Erlinda remains in a state of limbo, having applied for asylum but yet to receive a decision. The fear of an unknown future, separated from her children, casts a long shadow over her life. Her story highlights the human cost of political rhetoric and policy, where families are left in a state of perpetual uncertainty, their lives hanging in the balance. This uncertainty breeds fear not only for their own well-being but also for the lasting impact on their children, who grow up under the constant threat of separation and displacement.
Adding fuel to the fire were rumors of imminent immigration raids in Chicago, adding a sense of urgency to Sandigo’s preparations. Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed ”border tsar,” fueled these anxieties with his public statements, confirming that such operations were under consideration. This looming threat permeated the immigrant community in Chicago, transforming a place of refuge into one of unease. Pastor Homero Sanchez, a long-time figure in the city’s Mexican-American community, witnessed this shift firsthand. He recounted a chilling request from a parishioner: to handle the sale of their home and other financial matters in the event of their deportation. This request, stark in its practicality, brought home the very real possibility of families being uprooted from their lives, their homes, and their community.
The pervasive fear in Chicago exemplifies the wider impact of Trump’s immigration rhetoric. The city, once a symbol of opportunity and a new beginning, now felt like hostile territory for many immigrants. Pastor Sanchez observed a palpable change in his congregation, where a sense of belonging had been replaced by a fear of the unknown. This fear extended beyond the undocumented community, impacting families with mixed immigration statuses, creating a climate of anxiety and mistrust. The very fabric of the community was being frayed by the threat of separation and the constant fear of being targeted.
The events leading up to Trump’s inauguration underscore the human stories at the heart of the immigration debate. Families like Erlinda’s, living in a state of constant uncertainty, highlight the urgent need for compassionate and comprehensive immigration reform. Sandigo’s tireless efforts to prepare and protect vulnerable families demonstrate the resilience and resourcefulness within immigrant communities. However, long-term solutions are needed to address the systemic issues that create such vulnerability. The stories of these families serve as a potent reminder of the human cost of policy decisions and the importance of advocating for humane and just immigration policies.
