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U.S. Leaving Thousands of Immigrants in Distress

Afifa Jahan Pushpo, Student, Dhaka University

Published: 09 Feb 2025, 12:10 AM

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Settling down in the USA is a dream come true for some people who want opportunities to live a decent life abroad. It is one of the most desired destinations for people from a third world country like Bangladesh. The USA has some certain policies as an immigrant-based country, the policy of national interest waivers. In this policy, the US government gathers skilled people from all around the world and offers them opportunities to grow their careers in their respective fields. They also offer opportunities for unskilled people who have the potential to contribute to the US economy.

The United States of America is known for its diversity, innovation, and cultural influence. Those who are unfortunate and suffering from war, climate change, persecution, violence and human rights abuse can seek asylum after staying there for at least one year. But driven by the allure of the American lifestyle and the dream of sending remittances, many young people take whatever measure possible to enter the country. They often take illegal ways and invest substantial funds selling their assets to finance these journeys, such as donkey flight.

President Donald Trump has announced a flurry of immigration laws after taking office on 20 January. He has promised mass deportation and a widespread crackdown on undocumented migrants during his election campaigns. However, it is still not confirmed how much of his plan has already been implemented. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been reported to have conducted several operations and has arrested nearly thousands of people, including Bangladeshis.

Bangladeshi communities are now living in terror, whether they will get arrested for not having a birth certificate or passport with them. The Trump administration has even tightened the process of claiming asylum. Now, will this crackdown be a threat to newcomers as well who are waiting for a long time to legally enter into the country with proper visas? There are still families who have been waiting for 14 to 16 years to get a family visa. Now they are in a dilemma about whether they will get a visa at all. Will their dream ever come true?

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