Sara was getting ready for a radio interview about her new at-home child care center in Central Texas. But her plans changed when she learned about a new federal immigration order that took away her chance for legal status. She decided to cancel the interview and put her dreams on hold.
Now, Sara, her husband, and their two sons live under strict rules. They keep their curtains shut and doors locked. If anyone knocks, they don’t answer. They avoid friends unless it’s urgent and go grocery shopping one at a time, making it a risky chore. The hope they had for a stable life in the U.S. feels lost.
“We don’t understand why we are left in limbo,” Sara said. She feels that the new policies strip away not just their rights, but their peace and dignity. “It deprives you of sleep and puts you through trauma.”
The recent immigration orders have caused widespread fear across Texas. As an immigration lawyer, Ali Zakaria noted that the new regulations complicate the process for many families seeking legal residency. With countless applications on hold, many feel trapped, fearing deportation or separation from loved ones.
These changes also impact international students in Texas. Sarah Spreitzer from the American Council on Education pointed out that there’s a declining trend with a 17% drop in new international enrollments this fall. This poses big challenges for students and education institutions alike.
Sara’s journey started years ago when political unrest in Venezuela forced her and her husband to leave. Under Nicolás Maduro’s regime, speaking out against the government became dangerous. After Sara’s husband came to the U.S. on a tourist visa, Sara joined him a year later. Sadly, their two sons had to stay with relatives for six years while the family petitioned for Temporary Protected Status.
Once they got TPS, they worked hard to bring their sons to the U.S. After saving money, they sought asylum earlier this year. Just as they thought they could finally settle, the Trump administration made a series of changes that made their situation more precarious.
Immigration policies changed rapidly, leaving many families confused and anxious. The community support that used to exist now feels strained. “We see a lot of fear, and it’s affecting our health and well-being,” Joe Morales, a community advocate, explained. Fear has led many to stay inside, neglecting even basic needs.
The Trump administration’s policies have heightened tensions not just for immigrants but also for relations between the U.S. and Venezuela. As political pressures rise, the family feels like they are reliving the uncertainty they fled from.
In response to the chaos, they’ve minimized outings and picked up odd jobs to stay safe. Selling belongings and tightening budgets have become a way of life. “We came here to build a life, to adapt,” Sara shared. “But now it feels inhumane.”
Despite the hardship, Sara remains determined. She hopes to keep pushing forward, even if that means starting anew. “If we have to begin again, we will,” she said, showing remarkable resilience.
This story showcases the deep challenges faced by many immigrant families. As policies shift, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to keep the dialogue alive and understand the human side of these complex issues.
For a deeper understanding of immigration policies and their impact, you can explore this [report from the American Council on Education](https://www.acenet.edu) on recent trends and statistics.
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