Posted by NASWNY Chapter
posted on January 30, 2025
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS – NEW YORK CITY CHAPTER
NASW-NYS/NYC Executive Director Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW
NASW-NYC IMMIGRATION and GLOBAL SOCIAL WORK COMMITTEE
Chairs: Dr. Christiana Best-Giacomini, PHD; Linda Levin, LMSW
I. Introducing Our Committee
NASW-NYS, one of the largest chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), is committed to professional growth, upholding standards, and advancing social policies that promote equity. The NASW-NYC Immigration and Global Social Work Committee (IGSWC), established in 2016, leads advocacy efforts to reshape immigration narratives and empower the social work community through education, coalition-building, and policy engagement.
Guided by the core social work values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships, IGSWC strives to inspire action and advance equity in immigration policy and practice.
II. Purpose of This Statement
This statement provides social workers with a summary of the Trump Administration’s January 20, 2025, executive orders on immigration, their impact on vulnerable communities, and actionable guidance. It includes strategies for advocacy, legal and political challenges, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices to support affected populations.
III. Overview
President Trump’s executive orders mark a dramatic shift in immigration policy, emphasizing punitive enforcement. On his first day of his second term, he issued a series of directives targeting communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and DEI initiatives, dismantling key policies implemented by President Joseph R. Biden.
These orders include:
- Ending birthright citizenship, challenging the 14th Amendment.
- Declaring a national emergency at the southern border, expanding deportations and enforcement authority.
- Reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy, leaving asylum seekers vulnerable to violence and deprivation.
- Terminating parole programs and expanding military involvement in immigration enforcement.
- Revoking protections for immigrants in sensitive locations such as schools, religious institutions, and healthcare facilities.
IV. New York City’s Immigration History and Contributions
NYC has long been a gateway for migrants. From 1900 to 1914, the peak years of Ellis Island’s operation, an average of 1,900 individuals passed through the immigration station daily, amounting to approximately 693,500 people each year.
Between 2020 and 2021, New York City’s population shrank by approximately 468,000 residents (5.3%). The city lost a congressional seat, reducing its representation in the U.S. House. Public school enrollment declined, and workforce shortages left around 90,000 positions unfilled.
Between 2022 and 2024, NYC welcomed 130,000 asylum seekers, contributing to economic growth, public school enrollment increases, and workforce stabilization.
V. Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders on Immigration
- Ending Birthright Citizenship – Undermines the 14th Amendment, creating second-class citizenship.
- Expanding Deportations – Empowers local law enforcement to act as immigration officers.
- Terminating Parole Programs – Ends protections for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
- Reinstating the “Muslim Ban” – Restricts refugee admissions and enhances screening measures.
- Restructuring Refugee Admissions – Lowers caps, shifting focus to regional containment.
- Deploying the Military for Immigration Enforcement – Increases border surveillance and enforcement.
- Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations – Raises concerns over potential misuse of authority.
- Declaring a National Emergency – Mobilizes the military and expands border infrastructure.
- Limiting Asylum Protections – Suspends asylum claims at the southern border.
- Rescinding Family Reunification Efforts – Eliminates Biden-era efforts to reunite separated families.
VI. Rescinded Protection in Schools/Religious Organizations/Events
Under federal law, all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to an education, including access to college. However, the executive order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion" revoked previous guidelines that had restricted immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations, such as schools, hospitals, and churches. This change removed the limitations that had been in place since 2011, allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to carry out operations in these areas without prior approval. Consequently, ICE officers and agents are now able to conduct enforcement actions at the following locations and events:
- Schools (including preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities, and other institutions of learning, such as vocational and trade schools).
- Hospitals.
- Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other institutions of worship, such as buildings rented for the purpose of religious services.
- During funerals, weddings, and other religious ceremonies.
- During public demonstrations, such as marches, rallies, and parades.
- Places where children gather, such as playgrounds and bus stops.
- Social service establishments, such as domestic violence shelters and food pantries.
- Disaster/emergency response sites, such as evacuation routes.
VII. Steps Organizations Can Take to Protect the Immigrant Community
The immigrant community still retains basic constitutional rights during this difficult time. Here are several steps organizations can take to support individuals and families in all previously designated areas:
- Identify applicable federal, state, and local laws and district policies that protect immigrant students and families.
- If policies don’t exist, develop a written response policy and preparedness plan in advance for when there’s an interaction with an immigration enforcement officer.
- Designate an authorized person to review warrants and subpoenas.
- Understand the distinction between public and private areas.
- Train non-authorized staff and volunteers on how to respond to ICE requests.
- Document all interactions with immigration enforcement.
- Connect with immigration response networks in your area.
VIII. Proactive Steps to Prepare for Immigration Raids
Immigrant families can take proactive steps to prepare for potential immigration raids, ensuring they are informed and ready to protect their rights:
- Know Your Rights
- At Home: Officers need a signed judicial warrant to enter. Do not open the door without one.
- During a Raid: You have the right to remain silent. Carry a "Know Your Rights" card.
- Legal Representation: You have the right to speak to a lawyer. Do not sign anything without legal advice.
- Create a Family Preparedness Plan
- Emergency Contacts: Designate a trusted contact and inform school staff.
- Childcare Arrangements: Ensure your children know what to do if you’re detained.
- Power of Attorney: Assign legal guardianship and financial authority as needed.
- Keep Important Documents Safe
- Accessible Copies: Store and share copies of important documents with someone you trust.
- Emergency Packet: Include legal, medical, and contact information.
- Connect with Support Networks
- Community Organizations: Connect with groups like Make the Road, United We Dream, etc.
- Legal Assistance: Identify an attorney or legal aid provider in advance.
- Rapid Response Networks: Join networks prepared to support families during raids.
- Train Your Family
- Know Your Rights Training: Teach family members what to do if approached by ICE.
- Role-Playing: Practice calm, informed responses to scenarios.
- Prepare Financially
- Secure Savings: Set aside funds if possible.
- Access to Accounts: Ensure someone you trust has access if you are detained.
- Stay Informed
- Community Alerts: Follow local alerts and updates.
- Hotlines: Keep immigration rights hotlines handy.
IX. Steps Immigrants Should Use in Dealing with Immigration Authorities
- Do not open the door: ICE cannot enter without a judicial warrant. Ask them to slide it under the door.
- Remain silent: Say, “I plead the Fifth and choose to remain silent.”
- Do not consent to a search: You can refuse a search without a warrant.
- Ask for identification and documentation: Request to see ICE credentials and verify the warrant.
- Do not sign: Never sign anything without legal advice.
- Document the interaction: Write down names, badge numbers, and locations.
- Carry essential documents: Bring valid ID and Know Your Rights cards. Avoid unnecessary immigration papers.
- Prepare for detention: Know your right to an attorney and do not speak about your case.
- Legal representation: Keep contact info for an immigration lawyer at all times.
- Fight back: Connect with legal aid and immigrant rights orgs to explore your options.
X. How Social Workers Can Address These Policies
- Advocacy: Promote inclusive policies through collaboration with NASW and other organizations.
- Education: Empower clients and communities through legal education and awareness.
- Preparation: Help clients create emergency plans and safety resources.
- Collaboration: Work with legal and community partners to provide wraparound support.
- Community Engagement: Build coalitions and strong local networks.
- Promoting Equity and Justice: Speak out against discriminatory policies and promote systemic change.
- Ethical Practice: Follow NASW Code of Ethics, prioritize human dignity and social justice.
- Self-Care and Peer Support: Acknowledge vicarious trauma and build collective resilience.
XI. Engaging in Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Practices
Social workers must engage in trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice. This means they:
- Recognize biopsychosocial impacts of trauma, particularly migration-related.
- Promote safety and trust in every interaction.
- Practice cultural humility and adapt care to reflect client backgrounds.
- Empower clients by restoring agency and enabling informed choices.
- Advocate for systemic change that removes barriers.
- Address power imbalances in the social worker-client relationship.
- Learn to de-escalate trauma reactions and avoid retraumatization.
- Ensure language access, integrate ecological and strength-based frameworks.
XII. Summary
These sweeping immigration policies—originally outlined in Project 2025—seek to reshape federal authority and reinforce white nationalist ideology. They target immigrants, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals while legitimizing systemic inequity and fear.
Social workers have a long-standing legacy of standing with marginalized communities. Our values—service, justice, dignity, and the importance of relationships—guide us in resisting these unjust measures and continuing to provide support, advocacy, and care.
Resources
Together, we resist policies that threaten the rights and dignity of immigrants, ensuring that social work remains a force for justice and equity.