This article discusses the experience of C.M., a Maya Mam woman who sought asylum in the U.S. but was separated from her young son under the Trump administration's policies. After 76 days, they were reunited, but the trauma remained. Indigenous immigrants face unique challenges in U.S. immigration laws, often disregarding their identities and needs. Advocacy against potential repeating violations persists, especially with Trump's return to political influence. Recent developments, including Kristi Noem's appointment as DHS nominee, underscore ongoing concerns about the treatment of Indigenous and asylum-seeking populations.
"The ways in which the Trump administration truly impacted Indigenous peoples has not been adequately documented or quantified, but we believe that it was a large-scale human rights violation," said Juanita Cabrera Lopez, who is Maya Mam and executive director of the International Mayan League, a D.C.-based Indigenous-led nonprofit.
C.M. and four other parents affected by the policy sued in 2019 and last July reached a settlement with the Biden administration.
Trump has promised to end birthright citizenship, restrict protections for refugees and asylum seekers and carry out mass deportations.
Indigenous immigrants, asylum seekers and advocates are bracing for similar policies during Donald Trump's second administration.
#indigenous-rights #asylum-seekers #family-separation #us-immigration-policy #human-rights-violations
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