Out You Go!

Fijians living in the United States without legal status are on high alert as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

Since President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating mass deportation, fear has gripped Fijians working and residing Fijians in US without proper documentation.

While the primary focus is on individuals with criminal records, the White House has confirmed that visa overstayers are also at risk.

More than 300 Fijians are on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) watchlist for possible deportation.

Many now fear for their future, uncertain of when or if they will be forced to return to Fiji.

The anxiety is plain to see among Fijians working in the U.S, particularly those in caregiving roles.

A 50-year-old Fijian caregiver described the atmosphere as “an awakening experience.

“Most of us are scared to go anywhere. This executive order by Trump is an awakening experience for us. We have to be prepared because anything can happen,” she said.

Another caregiver, a single mother, said she was less fearful because she had invested in Fiji.

“Most of us are living in fear. But I think those who are the most worried are the ones who have nothing back home. They don’t know how they will survive if they’re deported,” she said.

A male caregiver confirmed that deportations had already started.

“We are living in fear of ICE, which is believed to be everywhere,” he said.

Despite the looming threat, some remain hopeful. A Fijian woman stressed the importance of knowing one’s rights.

“We still have rights. Our child is in school, and we asked the principal what would happen if ICE came in. He said not to worry because we have rights,” she added.

Trump’s deportation policy 

President Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, reinforced the administration’s tough stance, calling it the “largest mass deportation operation in American history.”

“If you are a foreign national who illegally enters the United States, you are, by definition, a criminal, and therefore subject to deportation,” she said.

While the priority is deporting those with criminal records, she clarified that no undocumented immigrant is exempt.

Our Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto, has assured that all Fijian citizens deported from the U.S will be allowed back into the country.

“Deportees are usually handled at the border by Immigration and Police. They are cleared through the normal entry process and handed over to the Fiji Police,” he said.

“As long as they are Fijian citizens, they will be allowed back in Fiji.”

With ICE arrests surpassing 3500 undocumented immigrants since Trump’s inauguration, deportation flights have already begun.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj