ECNETNews, January 17, 2025: As former President Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration on January 20th, which aligns with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, his campaign has circulated a provocative survey among supporters. The survey inquires whether he should implement a major deportation initiative on his first day back in office.
The fundraising message features a bold headline in bright yellow: “ARE YOU AN AMERICAN CITIZEN OR ILLEGAL ALIEN?” Those identifying as “illegal aliens” were instructed to disregard the survey.
U.S. citizens are invited to participate in what the campaign termed a “verified citizens-only survey,” requesting respondents to confirm their citizenship status and disclose their geographic location twice.
The survey also includes demographic questions such as age and gender, offering options ranging from “male” and “female” to “insane,” alongside opinions on the voting rights of U.S. citizens. Notably, only U.S. citizens are permitted to vote in elections.
The survey concludes with a call to action, asking supporters if Trump should prioritize a widespread deportation effort on his first day and expressing what they believe should be his key focus upon taking office. Additionally, it seeks donations of varying amounts.
Mass deportations have been a significant theme in Trump’s political narrative since his 2016 campaign. Advocacy groups are alerting the public to the potential expansion of expedited removal protocols and intensified immigration enforcement through neighborhood and workplace raids.
Expedited removal enables immigration officials to swiftly deport individuals without the opportunity for due process if it can be demonstrated that they entered the U.S. unlawfully and have been in the country for under two years. This policy permits deportation without a hearing before an immigration judge.
Moreover, long-term residents who may have prior deportation orders or criminal histories could still be at risk for removal.
Five Ways Immigrants Can Protect Themselves
To prepare for possible enforcement actions, the following recommendations are advised:
1. Seek a Legal Consultation
- Private Attorneys: Connect with local immigration attorneys for personalized legal guidance.
- Non-profit Organizations: Seek assistance from accredited organizations that employ licensed attorneys or qualified representatives.
2. Create a Safety Plan
- Designate and memorize emergency contacts.
- Inform schools or childcare services of emergency contacts authorized to collect your child.
- Provide written consent to emergency contacts for making medical and legal decisions on behalf of your child.
- Make sure family members are aware of resources to locate detained individuals.
3. Collect Important Documents
- Keep identity and financial documents in a secure location.
- Gather proof of residency, particularly for the past two years (e.g., tax documents, utility bills, academic or medical records).
- Ensure that trusted contacts can access these important documents.
4. Avoid Immigration Fraud
- Always seek legal counsel from licensed professionals.
- Verify the credentials of anyone providing legal advice and refrain from signing incomplete or falsified documents.
- Be cautious of offers that appear overly promising.
5. Stay Alert for Digital Scams
- Approach social media claims about quick immigration solutions with skepticism.
- Understand that official government agencies do not utilize social media for contact.
- Avoid disclosing personal information or sending funds to unverified sources.
- Consult with legal experts before responding to unsolicited communications.
