This week, I had the privilege of speaking with historian Sarah Coleman, an expert on immigration policy and author of The Walls Within: The Politics of Immigration in Modern America. Together, we unpacked the sweeping executive orders issued by President Trump on his first day in office, orders that target immigration enforcement in ways that are both legally dubious and morally troubling. Among the most alarming is an attempt to end birthright citizenship—a constitutional guarantee enshrined in the 14th Amendment. Sarah pointed out that the executive order is “on very shaky constitutional ground,” and it’s already facing legal challenges. However, the broader implications of these actions—stoking fear, destabilizing communities, and undermining fundamental rights—are deeply concerning.
We discussed how these policies represent a return to the shrill, nativist rhetoric of the early 20th century, when anti-immigrant sentiment was openly tied to racist ideologies. What makes today’s policies even more troubling is their piecemeal and reactionary nature, which creates confusion, disrupts lives, and undermines trust in government institutions. Sarah reminded us that executive orders like these not only violate constitutional norms but also fail to address the real economic needs of the country. “Immigrants are essential to daily life in the United States,” she noted, highlighting how labor shortages and economic interdependence make such restrictive policies ultimately counterproductive.
Zachary’s poignant poem framed our conversation beautifully, reflecting on the Statue of Liberty’s promise to welcome the tired, poor, and huddled masses. It’s a promise that feels increasingly distant under the weight of these executive orders, which also include deploying the military to the border and blocking access to asylum for refugees fleeing persecution. Sarah contextualized this as part of a broader pattern of fear-based governance, where intimidation, rather than effective policy, becomes the central tool of enforcement. “Communities are already living in fear,” she said, emphasizing the profound psychological toll on immigrants and their families.
Despite the challenges, we found reasons for hope. Sarah pointed to the historical waves of immigration policy, where public activism has repeatedly countered restrictive measures. From airport protests during Trump’s first term to the role of sanctuary cities in limiting federal overreach, civic engagement has proven to be a powerful force. She affirmed that citizen activism can make a real difference, reminding us that immigration policy is not made by the president alone—it’s shaped by courts, local governments, and the voices of everyday people.
As I reflected on Sarah’s insights, I was struck by the urgency of this moment and the importance of civic engagement. Immigration policy, as history shows, is not just shaped in Washington—it’s shaped by the voices, actions, and demands of everyday citizens. This is our call to act, to defend the ideals of fairness, inclusion, and democracy, and to push back against efforts to dismantle them.
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