Trump’s second term as president could affect immigrants in Oregon  

(JANUARY 24, 2025) Donald Trump has started his second term as president. His plans may change immigration rules. These changes could affect many people in Oregon. Trump's plans can affect asylum seekers, international students, and workers on special visas.  

According to a news story from Oregon Public Broadcasting, Oregon has about 120,000 undocumented immigrants. The state has many more people who are here on temporary visas. Oregon has a law called a "sanctuary law" that protects immigrants. The law stops local police from helping with federal immigration enforcement. However, Trump’s new policies might challenge this law.  For example ...

• Asylum seekers come to the U.S. because they are unsafe in their home countries. In Oregon, about 60,000-70,000 people are applying for asylum. Local groups like the Innovation Law Lab in Portland help people prepare their asylum cases.  However, Trump wants to bring back rules that make asylum harder. This includes, for example, requiring people to stay in Mexico while waiting for their cases.  

• Oregon public schools must educate all children. Their immigration status does not matter. Schools protect student information from being used by immigration authorities. However, there is fear that new rules might allow federal agents to enter schools.  

• Oregon has over 7,300 international students. They bring over $268 million to the state economy. These students sometimes face delays or problems with visas. Some colleges expect changes to student visa rules.  

• The H-1B visa allows skilled workers from other countries to work in the U.S. Oregon has about 1,500 H-1B visa holders. This number includes employees at big companies like Nike. Trump might make it harder to get these visas.

• Oregon has had a sanctuary law since 1987. It stops local police from asking about immigration status or helping federal immigration officers. Republicans in Oregon want to change this law to require police to ask about citizenship in certain cases. Trump may try to make Oregon change its laws. He may try to reduce federal funding. 

It’s not clear yet how immigration policies will change under Trump. Many communities in Oregon are preparing to support immigrants during these uncertain times. Schools, colleges, and legal organizations are working to protect immigrants’ rights.