US President, Donald Trump’s first days in office have been defined by a slew of executive orders and actions related to immigration enforcement.

That has included declaring a national emergency at the US border to surge personnel and resources there, laying the groundwork for expedited deportations, and suspending the CBP One application upon which thousands of asylum seekers were relying for appointments.

Trump has also sought to end so-called birthright citizenship, a move that has already been challenged in court by state officials and rights groups.

Speaking to the Vaultz News, Amb. Henry Osabutey, a Global Goodwill Ambassador, noted that Trump’s executive actions signify a shift towards a stricter immigration enforcement which creates a climate of fear and uncertainty for immigrants.

According to him, most of these policies disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, such as those who are fleeing from persecutions and it undermines the humanitarian principles the US has held in several years.

He said that for undocumented immigrants, the focus on expedited deportations would separate parents from children, creating a space of chaos in the family.

He opined that legal immigrants may also face heightened scrutiny, making it harder to navigate pathways to permanent residency or citizenship.

“These policies can discourage individuals seeking opportunities or safety in the US, contributing to a sense of exclusion and diminishing America’s global image as a land of opportunities.”
Henry Osabutey

Also, Osabutey pointed out that immigrants are very vital part of the US labor force, saying that many of sectors of the economy rely heavily on immigrant workers, including those without legal status.

He said that these immigrants fill up roles that are otherwise difficult to get staff for. “So restricting immigration and ramping up deportation could lead to labor shortages, driving up cost and reducing productivity in these industries,” he added.

“For example, the agriculture sector could see crops go unharvested, which can lead to loss and deterioration; while tech and education industry might lose access to global talent that fuels innovation in United States. So the overall economy may suffer as immigrants, not only contribute labor, but also boost consumer demand… Immigrants are also entrepreneurs and job creators.

“So deportation will only limit their presence which undermines America’s competitive edge with other strong economies like China.”
Henry Osabutey

Commenting on Trump’s quest to end birth rights citizenship, Osabutey stressed that it would challenge the core principle of America’s identity and it also violates the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution.

He stated that ending birth right citizenship could create stateless individuals, particularly children born to undocumented immigrants. He added that birth right citizenship represents a fair and inclusive approach to nation building.

Speaking from his perspective as an African, he said that many African immigrants have raised children who have become productive citizens in the United States. “So revoking this right would stigmatize immigrant communities, which create divisions and undermine their social cohesion,” he said.

He added that such policies disproportionately impact people of color, making it harder for them to thrive in the United States.

He said that African immigrants in US often provide financial support to their families back home so deporting them cuts off remittances that families relies on for their basic needs.

Since the refugee resettlement programme’s formalisation in 1980, the US has given people who are persecuted, or fear persecution, a haven, allowing them to move to the US legally and eventually become eligible for US citizenship.

On his first day, Trump paused this programme indefinitely. He said the US cannot absorb large numbers of refugees without compromising Americans’ resources and security.

Osabutey expressed understanding for Trump’s concern regarding refugees compromising resources and security, saying that resource allocations and security are very valid concerns.

However, he asserted that evidence suggests that refugees also contribute positively to the US economy and society.

Alternative Suggestions

Stating that the US has a history of balancing security with its role as a haven for the persecuted, Osabutey opined that there should be proper alternatives to outright deportations and ban on immigration.

He suggested that the US should strengthen its vetting process to ensure safety without denying entry to genuine refugees.

He also suggested that the US can also partner with international organizations to manage refugee resettlement more effectively.

“So wherever the immigrants are coming from, there should be a partnership. There should be the involvement of international organization who can oversee their stay and their transfers and their safety in the United States. “
Henry Osabutey

His third and final suggestion was for the US to promote regional solutions that address root causes of displacement and migration such as conflict and economic instability.

“So they should probably get involved with other states that produces refugees to be sure they resolve the conflict and build peace instead of escalating wars that produce more refugees in their country.

“As someone living in Ghana, I see how the absence of resettlement options forces refugees to remain in precarious conditions. The United States, with its resources and leadership, has a moral responsibility to maintain its commitment to providing a safe place for refugees, which ultimately strengthens its global standing as the best place in the world.”
Henry Osabutey

In conclusion, Osabutey emphasizes that the US can continue to uphold its tradition as a refuge for the persecuted by adopting more thoughtful and proactive approaches to immigration and refugee resettlement.