Fanned by anti-immigrant extremists – and based largely on myths about immigration’s effects on the nation’s security and economy – a powerful anti-immigrant movement over the last several years has been seeking to curtail the rights of many people living in the United States. And it’s only gotten worse.
From inflammatory statements describing immigrants as “poisoning the blood of our country” to discussions framing them as part of a “migrant invasion,” anti-immigrant sentiment continues to plague the United States. This rhetoric was a lynchpin of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. He often falsely claimed that the “greatest invasion in history” was happening at the southern U.S. border with Mexico as justification for his extreme anti-immigrant stances and policy proposals.
As president, Trump has promised to “carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” Though Trump made similar promises during his first administration, a second Trump administration is a clear and present danger to our democratic norms, processes, and institutions. As the dust settles, we know we’ll find ourselves in a new era in our fight for civil liberties – especially because others, including some of our elected leaders in Wyoming – will feel emboldened to follow suit.
So as we prepare for a second Trump presidency, we understand how unsafe so many immigrants are feeling right now.
The immigrant population in Wyoming is resilient and talented and an integral part of the state’s economy. They’re starting businesses, creating jobs, and working for local employers. They’re hard-working, good people who love Wyoming and are an essential part of who we are as a state.
But the uncertainty about immigration policy under a second Trump administration, the never-ending debate over border security, and politicians that put politics before people and principle, has meant an increased amount of discriminatory rhetoric in our state. And when the government has the power to deny legal rights and due process to one vulnerable group – like immigrants living in Wyoming – everyone’s rights are at risk.
Everyone needs to understand their rights – and how to be better prepared to advocate for themselves, their family and their neighbors. Do you know what to do if ICE shows up at your door? If you get pulled over by the police when traveling? If you are questioned about your citizenship status at work? That’s why the ACLU of Wyoming has developed and is distributing comprehensive materials – in English and Spanish – to ensure that immigrants throughout the state know their rights.
The looming threats are real, but we are stronger than one president. It will be up to us to stand up for our neighbors, our friends, our families, and our communities here in Wyoming and to fight for the rights and freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. And we will – we’re not going anywhere. No matter the challenge, our commitment to making the promise of democracy real for all Wyomingites has not wavered. And it starts with knowing your rights.
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Our communities shouldn’t live in fear because of what they don’t know. Knowledge is power.
