Yesterday, Hate Won. Today, We Keep Going.

Today is a sad day. It is sad that hate, division, and lies have carried the day in our election. It is sad for our country, which has put its trust in one who is not worthy of that trust. It is sad for the free world, which has traditionally looked to us for leadership. It is sad for our government workers, who strive to serve their country faithfully, but whose efforts have been scorned by the electorate. It is a sad day for those of us who know and admire asylum seekers as some of the bravest, most hard working, and most patriotic people we know. And it is sad for asylum seekers themselves, who have fled persecution and honored our country by choosing to come to the United States, only to be met with falsehoods and hate. 

As I write these words, Mr. Trump’s victory has just been called. I have not had much time to absorb the news (though as a confirmed pessimist, I can’t say I was particularly surprised), but here I thought I’d share a few initial thoughts.

The writer Gore Vidal famously observed that Americans get the government that we deserve. Maybe, though the powerful and the rich always seem to do alright, while the powerless and the poor rarely do. In this case, the powerful and the rich used asylum seekers and immigrants as scapegoats: If only we could “secure the border,” everything would be better.

“Hmmm. I think I’ll take the one on the right.”

Perhaps it is human nature that people think they will somehow improve their own lot by harming others–whether those “others” are immigrants, minorities or LGBT individuals. The former President’s campaign strategy was a classic move: Find a relatively powerless group, pretend that group members possess some nefarious power to harm “us,” and then punish that group for their phony infractions. Having someone to blame for our problems feels good, at least in the short term. But of course, it does nothing to actually solve our problems.

And I can’t help but wonder what will happen if Mr. Trump manages to “fix everything,” as he claims. What will happen if there are no more “illegals” to blame? I suppose we will move on to the next target and then the next. When we distract ourselves from solving our problems by pointing the finger at someone else, our problems will never be solved. 

Mr. Trump will be inaugurated in January, and there will be much to discuss in the coming weeks. Asylum seekers and their advocates need to start preparing now for the hardships to come. In future posts, we will talk about specifics, but for now, here are a few thoughts:

Asylum seekers and migrants are already under great stress. They have fled persecution and are living in a new, relatively unfamiliar land. Many are separated from close family members or face financial difficulties. Those with pending cases do not know whether they can remain in the U.S. or whether they will be forced to leave. Mr. Trump’s looming inauguration, and his hateful rhetoric are sure to increase their stress level.

I am no expert, but it seems to me that it is o.k. to feel afraid and sad. In fact, I am not sure how else to feel at this time. However, we cannot let the bad feelings overwhelm us. One of my favorite philosophers, Rocky Balboa, has said, “It’s not about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.” We need to prepare for the hits, but also, we need to keep moving forward, to keep experiencing joy, to lean on our support networks and let others lean on us. That, as Dr. Balboa says, is how winning is done. 

Also, remember that you are not alone. There are many Americans–citizens and non-citizens, inside and outside of government–who are glad you are here, and who will work hard to ensure that you can stay and that you are safe. 

Finally, we cannot meet hate with hate. Hate is corrosive and ultimately unproductive to the hater. It may give us an endorphin rush to indulge our hate, but it will always let us down. A life well lived is not a life devoted to harming and bringing down others. Rather, it is a life devoted to serving others, to creating beauty, and to making peace. 

That is enough for now. It is a sad day, but I have work to do, and I need to get started… 

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28 comments

  1. Hi Jason,

    I am extremely under stress. To me know, it really doesn’t matter to be killed by Taliban or get heart attack due to all these unending stress. This is really too much as a human regardless of anything else.

    My question is that what do you think about unlucky Afghans who are waiting for 7 or 8 years ?

    Reply
    • I think it is very likely that you will remain in the United States and very unlikely that you could be deported. It will be difficult to change the law for people who face harm from the Taliban, and I think there are many members of Congress, including Republicans who will not agree to that. Unfortunately, there are many people in your same situation. Hopefully, the asylum office can get some of their cases resolved before the end of Biden’s term. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  2. Hi Jason,
    the Republicans are gaining control of both the Senate and the House, which means President Trump will have no trouble pushing through his immigration policies since the Supreme Court and Congress are aligned with him. We’re in for some frightening times, and it seems like we’re about to witness a record number of deportations in American history!

    Reply
    • They also controlled both houses in 2017 and 2018, but they failed to pass immigration legislation. This is partly due to the need for a super-majority in the Senate and partly because some in the party will resist Trump’s agenda. I guess it is possible that they could change the rules in the Senate, which would give them more flexibility, but we will see if they try that. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  3. I’m lucky that i won my asylum case in court in 2024, but i feel unlucky that i have to apply for a GC under trump.
    Should i worry about my asylum(not mus. Countries)?
    Should i worry about my GC application?

    Reply
    • I do not think you need to worry about your asylum status. I do think there is a good chance the GC process will be delayed more than it already is. Note that you can file for the green card sooner than one year after winning asylum, assuming you are otherwise eligible. I wrote about that on February 6, 2023. Most lawyers (including me) recommend waiting at least 6 months, and I discuss that in the article. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • But what is your take on USCIS adjudication these before 1 year cases during Trump’s administration? Can’t they just deny the application stating it was filed before 1 year? Or will rescinding the early rule only apply for cases filed after that date?

        Reply
        • I have no idea. Last time, Trump required that all asylees have GC interviews. This was obviously redundant, since they all had asylum interviews, and was presumably designed to slow down the process. As such, maybe they will end the rule that allows people to file early. We will have to wait and see. Take care, Jason

          Reply
  4. To me, it’s truly ridiculous how American people could choose this person for the second time after all the craziness that has happened in the past 8 years.

    And how the new president is planning to have a close council from Elon Musk, a guy who broke immigration rules while working on his student visa and is now “speaking out” about restricting immigration, this is so contradicting and hypocritical.

    Also as an asylum seeker, awaiting an interview for over 9 years now, I really don’t know what will happen to me under new President, last time he made it bad, it’s even hard to imagine how this time would be for people like me

    Reply
    • Agreed. Government is not a business, and the idea that it should be treated that way is unfortunate. One example of that is the private, for-profit prison system, which detains people but does little to rehabilitate them. Maybe we save some money in the short run, but in the long run, our society (and especially those detained) is much worse off. In terms of asylum seekers, I think we will have to wait and see. I do not think people with pending affirmative cases will be the main priority, but time will tell. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  5. It’s shocking to me that a convicted person can run for president and even become one, yet someone with a felony cannot vote. This election has caused so much anxiety for people who care deeply about basic fundamental rights, and it’s heartbreaking to see some individuals who obtained citizenship through asylum now proudly and loudly supporting him. I feel sad—sad that these people seem to have forgotten where they once were and, when convenient, switched sides. My heart is broken today…

    Reply
    • I think this election and all the hateful language has traumatized (and re-traumatized) many asylum seekers and asylees (and many Americans too). Try to take care of yourself and make sure to reach out to family and friends for support. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  6. Good afternoon,
    The principal granted asylum, He has a dependent (not spouse) in the case. The dependent left home before the approval, the approval issued one year ago. The principal cut off the communication with the dependent. Is there any consequences on the principal for keeping the letter from the dependent who is 20 years old now? And what shall the dependent do in this case?

    Thanks,

    Reply
    • If the dependent was part of the asylum case and is still unmarried, the dependent also received asylum (assuming the person went to the asylum interview and does not have any criminal or other bars to asylum). Whether the principal informs the dependent about that, I do not think makes any difference to the dependent’s status. Maybe the dependent can file a Freedom of Information Act request to get a copy of his file, so he can see whether he was also granted asylum. You can find info about that if you follow the link under Resources called FOIA USCIS. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  7. Am still in shock. Am thinking about all the immigrants that are here on TPS. He will do away with TPS, DV lottery and DACA. Then he will go after asylum applicants and empower AOs to reject as many applications as they can without sending them to court. He may not physically hunt down and deport anyone; but he will make life difficult for many immigrants and they will self deport. May the Lord have mercy on us.

    Reply
    • All these are possibilities. There are some limits (related to due process of law and the Administrative Procedures Act) that may make these moves difficult, or at least slow things down, but I do expect they will try to end TPS, at least for many countries. TPS people can file for asylum, as that is a defense to being removed, but they could also try to limit asylum. That was difficult for them to do last time, and we will have to see what they try now. It’s certainly not good news, but I do not expect all limits to presidential power and all due process rights to vanish. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  8. Hi Jason, for people with green card who come from a country that was affected by the previous travel ban. Should they be concerned? What harm could a future travel ban do to green card holders from certain countries that are targeted by these travel bans?

    Reply
    • I think any travel ban is unlikely to affect a GC person. Last time, as I remember, it did not. Of course, you will need to wait and see what happens, but I do not think GC holders will be their target, and so I do not think this is a major worry. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  9. Things will get wild!!! First with the boarders crossing then fake asylum pending cases then illegals!!

    President-elect Trump will begin operations to deport millions of undocumented immigrants when he starts his term, campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Wednesday morning, Axios’ April Rubin reports.

    He will launch the “largest mass deportation operation” of undocumented immigrants on Day 1, Leavitt said.

    The big picture: Trump’s plan will use obscure laws, military funds and law enforcement officers from all levels of government. It will curtail the existing multistep deportation process.

    Fast-track deportations would be expanded to apply to anyone who illegally crossed the border and couldn’t prove they’d been living in the U.S. for more than two years. It currently is reserved for recent crossers.
    Unaccompanied minors who crossed the border without their parents would also be targets of the plan.

    https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/trump-harris-election-2024-house-senate-race

    Reply
    • I think we will have to see what happens. These plans will likely result in court challenges, and they will certainly run into practical difficulties. I do expect things to get bad, but exactly how that will look, we will have to wait and see. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  10. Thanks for the reply Jason!

    “I’m from one of the countries affected by the previous travel ban. Do you think I should still be concerned about potential travel restrictions in 2025, even if I have Advance Parole?”

    Reply
    • I do think you will need to keep an eye on this, as the travel ban is likely to return. If you can travel and return before January 20 (or whenever the inauguration is), that might be better. Otherwise, just pay attention to what is happening. There is likely going to be a lot of litigation and confusion about any travel ban, and so you will have to do your best (and maybe talk to a lawyer) to see what is happening. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  11. Hi Jason!
    Today’s result is really disappointing! Based on your experience, do you think it’s still possible to use Advance Parole to travel to a third country in 2025? Thanks for all your help

    Reply
    • I think probably it will still be possible. I doubt AP will be a priority for the Trump Administration. However, if they implement a new travel ban, which is expected, you will need to pay attention to that. And of course, in general, you will need to look at any changes his Administration makes before you travel. I expect that such information will be well publicized. If you can travel this year, though, that may be the better choice, since you know what the law is now and that travel and return is possible. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  12. Looks like Americans are worried only about higher grocery and gas! They thought Trump will fix that, not sure if he can! Only few voted based on ideology, The declining nation with no ideology, very sad day

    Reply
    • It is reasonable to be concerned about those issues, and prices are up about 20% since Trump left office. Wages are also up – more than 20%, and so inflation is essentially a wash from an economist’s viewpoint. However, it did not feel that way for many Americans. My concern here is more about how Trump used migrants as a scapegoat to scare/encourage voters. Blaming others will not solve our real problems. He could have made arguments to restrict immigration without using hateful rhetoric and lies, but that is not what he did. I suppose we will have to see what policies he tries to implement and how that will affect people. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  13. It seems to me that all the rich and powerful were siding with Harris. Most media networks, many many powerful celebs.

    Reply
    • Trump certainly had his share of wealthy donors, but my comment is more in relation to the overall power structure and who does well in our country and who does not. Perhaps the same can be said for most countries, but I am sorry that this is the case. Take care, Jason

      Reply

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