Michigan is home to an estimated 130,000 undocumented immigrants, according to Pew Research Center data from 2022. These individuals are part of the 11 million undocumented immigrants across the United States, a community now facing an uncertain future. For those without citizenship but with legal authorization to stay, the stakes are high. Policies under the Trump administration could alter their legal status and disrupt their lives.
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC), a nonprofit legal services organization, has outlined critical steps for noncitizens to take now. These measures aim to safeguard their rights and prepare them for the potential shifts in federal immigration policies.
Know Your Rights and Prepare Your Family
MIRC emphasizes the importance of noncitizens understanding their legal rights and preparing their families for possible changes. Resources like the MIRC “Know Your Rights” guide (available at bit.ly/MIRCKYR) provide practical steps to protect individuals and their loved ones. Families are encouraged to create emergency plans, secure important documents, and explore legal options to strengthen their status.
Update Your Address with USCIS
Noncitizens with pending applications through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must ensure their contact information is up to date. Those in removal proceedings without legal representation can file a change of address online at respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/forms. Missing critical communications from USCIS could result in lost opportunities or unintended consequences.
Secure U.S. Passports for Eligible Children
MIRC advises children of noncitizen parents to apply for or renew their U.S. passports. This step is particularly important for mixed-status households, where securing passports from countries of origin can also provide an additional layer of preparation.
Apply for Citizenship
Legal permanent residents (LPRs) who are eligible for naturalization are strongly encouraged to apply for citizenship as soon as possible. Becoming a U.S. citizen offers legal protections and ensures the right to vote, which is especially vital during uncertain political climates.
Renew Work Authorizations
Noncitizens with work authorizations set to expire within six months should apply for renewals immediately. MIRC notes that delays in processing times can result in employment disruptions, so acting early is essential.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients
Recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must take proactive steps to renew their status if it is set to expire within six months. DACA provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for individuals who came to the U.S. as children, but its future under the new administration is uncertain. Prompt renewal could provide a crucial buffer during this transitional period.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are encouraged to explore other immigration pathways. TPS offers a temporary reprieve for those unable to safely return to their home countries, but MIRC highlights the importance of pursuing more permanent immigration solutions when possible.
Immigration Parole
Immigrants from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Afghanistan who are currently in the U.S. under immigration parole should monitor their status closely. Once parole ends, they may lose their legal presence in the country unless they have transitioned to another status.
Steps for Asylum Seekers
Asylum seekers, who arrive in the U.S. seeking protection from persecution, are urged to apply for their first work permits if eligible, even if they do not plan to work immediately. Renewing two-year work permits that expire before 2028 is also critical. Exploring additional immigration options, such as applying for TPS alongside asylum, could offer added security.
Building Resilience Through Community and Advocacy
Advocates emphasize the need for collective action and community support during these uncertain times. Resources from organizations like MIRC provide not just legal guidance but also a sense of solidarity for those navigating the immigration system. By staying informed and acting swiftly, noncitizens can strengthen their position and safeguard their families.
A Call to Action
As Michigan’s immigrant communities face an evolving landscape, preparation is key. The steps outlined by MIRC reflect a proactive approach to protecting the rights and futures of noncitizens in Michigan. For detailed guidance, individuals can access resources at bit.ly/MIRCTipsheet.
The next few months will be pivotal. While the path forward may be fraught with challenges, taking deliberate, informed actions today can lay the foundation for resilience and stability tomorrow.
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