Since President Trump’s inauguration, his administration has been quick to turn around many policies on immigration, enacting widespread deportation and has made changes regarding refugee and asylum status. Although these policies have led to instances of 4,745 immigrants being deported in just 16 days, it is imperative to separate these deportation acts from nativist mindsets, which would lead to discrimination, prejudice, and alienation for the immigrant population and other minorities.
President Trump promised during his campaign that one of his focuses would be on border control and national security. With this promise, he has issued mass deportations of illegal immigrants in an attempt to broaden the deportation scope. In addition, Trump has removed birthright citizenship for children with one or more parents that are temporary or illegal immigrants. Lastly, Trump has halted migrants from coming to America to seek asylum or refuge. Although these policies have motives rooted in preventing crime and terrorism, they potentially spark nativist and discriminatory behaviors amongst Americans.
Nativists are politicians who oppose immigrants and their inclusion, deeply rooted in the belief that immigrants take jobs from American people. Navitism is not something new, in fact, it has been a wide-spread political stance since the 1800s. With the Know-Nothing Party, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and President McKinley’s assassination by an immigrant, people throughout America’s history have blamed immigrants for many of our issues. However, the issues that permeate in America – such as economic instability and limited job opportunities of the past – are often wrongly placed upon our immigrant population.
It is crucial that instead of glorifying these mass deportations for the sake of perpetuating prejudice, society takes this immigration seriously on whichever stance one sides with. While it is acceptable to agree with policies regarding national security and limiting illegal immigration, there are many behaviors and actions that can be done to demonstrate empathy and compassion towards America’s immigrant population.
The lack of empathy regarding immigrant families has led to mocking, low self-esteem, and even suicide. An 11-year-old student in Texas reportedly committed suicide because jokes of deportation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) calls taunted her into fear and despair. Although these “jokes” are often painted as light-hearted and unserious, they are usually ignorant to the trauma real immigrants are facing, and can even perpetuate racist behavior towards minority Americans who are legal citizens.
Clara Napoles (’26) says, “Many immigrants aren’t here for malicious intent, but many are here to receive better healthcare. I believe that this nativist mindset has just led to unnecessary discrimination against immigrants.”
Many children in school systems are in fear of their family being taken from the nation, instilling themes of abandonment, isolation, and alienation into these children’s lives. It has led to children being embarrassed of their immigrant ancestors, their culture, and their ethnicity because they are associated with illegal immigrants and so many negative connotations.
It is crucial to pivot these themes of shame, mocking, and isolation for children in the school systems into themes of love, acceptance, and inclusivity.
As individuals, we can pivot these themes by being mindful of our words and actions, participating in service work, and implementing a hospitable community for all to be united in.
This behavior described luckily has been mirrored through the Mission and Ministry team here at Academy, and has instead promoted themes of love and inclusivity. For years, Mission and Ministry has administered mission trips in San Juan, Texas to help with the immigrant community and border town. In addition, there have been numerous weekend mission trips held in Plant City to help acclimate migrant families in the community and enhance their resources and accommodations. While many may think that migrant workers are here illegally, their work is perfectly legal and is designed for them to take advantage of career opportunities in America.
Math teacher Robert Quinn says,”I have gone on the San Juan Mission Trip twice and it was a different experience both times. But although the experience was different, both times we experienced a community that was beyond welcoming. We were treated like family and got to experience being a part of a community that truly values and appreciates each other. It was easy to see the presence of God in everyone there. It was an important trip for me because I learned first hand by being in that community that the reality of their situation is wildly different than what is often talked about on the news or in the media. The people there value family, are gracious and loving, patient and incredibly generous. I could go on with so many amazing stories about the people we’ve met there, what they’ve gone through, how strong, brave and kind they are.”
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) also promote empathy and compassion towards marginalized communities such as the immigrant population. One core value is Hospitality, which welcomes people into our community without judgement or prejudice. Another value is Service to People Who are Poor or Marginalized, which initiates service projects and resources to those who need extra support; Lastly, there is Dedication to Justice, which elicits advocacy and dedication to squandering inequality and discrimination.
Although it may be difficult to differentiate between governmental policies and interpretation in one’s personal life, the Academy has taught us to examine nuanced issues with empathy, consideration, and compassion for all that need help and are struggling. This preparation will guide students into the real world with advanced perspectives, cultivating women of accepting and inclusive behaviors that are crucial for success in society.
Maddy Hughes (’26) includes, “I think it is wonderful that Academy has the opportunities for students to help the immigrant community in Texas and Florida. I really love any chance I get to help the marginalized, so I think it is a great time to do take advantage of those mission trips.”
History classes for years have explained to students that America has always been a place of opportunity, a place for cultures to blend, a place for people to escape persecution and poverty. While times have certainly changed, it is significant to remember that America is a melting pot of ethnicities and that is the beauty of this democratic country.
Instead of playing along with these recurring ICE jokes, making assumptions about minority families and their immigration status, or holding prejudices against migrants of any kind, let’s develop a mindset where understanding, empathy, and unity is at the top of everyone’s concerns.
