January 20, 2025
Los Angeles (Jan. 20, 2025) – The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) issued the following statement regarding today’s inauguration of President Trump to a second term and his proposed executive orders on immigration.
“In his inaugural address, President Trump laid out his inhumane and contradictory vision for the future of our country and for the fate of millions of immigrants living in the U.S. as our neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members,” said CIPC Executive Director Masih Fouladi said. “Throughout our nation’s history, immigrants have come from all over the world with dreams of a better life. In making those dreams a reality, immigrants have built this country and strengthened our democracy.”
“The plans laid out by Trump would not make our country stronger or safer, they would undermine our democratic principles, weaken our economy and further erode community trust in law enforcement. Let’s be clear, mass deportations will cause chaos in our communities, hamstring our economy and lead to increased inflation, and create traumatic and irreparable family separations.
“Trump’s proposed policies repeatedly clash with his stated objectives. While claiming to strengthen the economy and reverse inflation, he overlooks the vital role immigrants play in driving innovation and labor. He says he seeks a peaceful world, yet his approach to militarizing the southern border undermines that vision. Despite his rhetoric on compassion, he continues to push for policies that restrict refugee resettlement and asylum access. Trump’s creation of a Department of Government Efficiency stands in stark contrast to his endorsement of wasteful, ineffective measures like building a border wall and detaining immigrants. These actions not only fail to align with his goals but also violate our nation’s values and international commitments.
“To the families and communities most impacted by these threats, we say: You are not alone. We are with you. Together, we resisted Trump’s worst impulses and rejected his most devastating policies during his first administration. We will continue to organize and build power with you.
“CIPC and our partners throughout California and throughout the country will do everything in our power to prevent harm to immigrant communities. We will inform our audiences, organize our communities and call on our elected representatives at every level of government to join us in opposing Trump’s racist and anti-immigrant agenda.
“We will continue to call on our state and local leaders to invest in programs that provide legal assistance to people at risk of detention and deportation, protect policies and programs that support immigrant communities, and continue to advocate for a California for All, regardless of one’s immigration status. Together we hope to make California a beacon of hope for our country and the world.”
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