At the moment there is some level of anxiety among Caribbean citizens, especially for those countries like Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, where there are substantial Muslim populations, regarding the manner in which certain events, more particularly those relating to immigration, are unfolding in the United States.
By now everyone is well aware of the controversy surrounding the Executive Order that was signed by President Donald Trump to suspend, for 90 days, the entry of persons into the US from certain countries and the court battle that has since ensued. While the countries singled out are Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, the Trump Administration made it clear that the order can be amended to include persons coming from other countries.
The Order, which is currently being reviewed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, also bars indefinitely, the settlement of refugees from Syria, has received many criticisms from several leaders and activists as it is seen as a “Muslim ban” because it is viewed as targeting persons from the previously mentioned countries which are primarily populated by Muslims.
Persons from almost every corner of the world, have wasted no time in speaking out against the ban. In fact, over the past few days, there have been massive protests across the US and elsewhere against the ban. It should be noted also that several Guyanese residing in the US also joined the thousands at the John F Kennedy Airport over the past weekend to have their voices heard on the matter.
Only last week, Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke expressed concern that the ban may extend to the Caribbean and called for community leaders to organise themselves to address the issue frontally. Pledging “not to allow xenophobia to undermine our principles or racism to determine our policies” she said every effort will be made to lobby Congress “and people of good faith across the United States” to join in resisting “this act of hate.”
Interestingly too, is that more than 1000 federal employees attached to the US State Department, including foreign officers and diplomats have signed a letter opposing the order, with the acting Attorney General of the US being fired after she ordered Government lawyers not to defend the controversial order.
On his part, President Trump said the Executive Order was part of his vetting plan to keep “radical Islamic terrorists” out of the US. He added that this was “to ensure that we are not admitting into our country the very threats our soldiers are fighting overseas.” However, only time will tell if this recent move has indeed contributed to making America safer.
Certainly, significant insecurities have already been provoked, creating tremendous concerns for permanent residents or holders of green cards, as well as those who were issued immigrant visas to travel to the US but were barred from entry. Until the courts rule on the matter, it is clear that holders of green cards will feel vulnerable, and those granted immigrant visa to travel to reside in the US may not feel so secure.
US Ambassador Perry Holloway revealed that in 2015, some 39,000 Guyanese had applied for visitor visas and “over half” were granted. There were 4900 green cards issued.
For many in Guyana there are still a lot of uncertainties as they anticipate that their immigration status could be affected overnight, or the immigration laws which apply to them for certain categories of sponsorship could be changed with very short notice.
It is also clear from all that was said during the election campaigns that the Trump Administration intends to go after undocumented persons and deport them. As stated by Trump himself, action is being taken to withhold federal funding from cities that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
It is quite evident that Trump’s Immigration Order is beginning to cause a great deal of anxiety for many. It would therefore be in persons’ own interest to take all the necessary precautions to ensure they are not affected unnecessarily, especially those who are yet to get their immigration status “regularised”. It is also very likely if illegal immigrants will be deported from the US as threatened, Guyanese will be in the pool.
