**Immigrant-Rights Groups Gear Up to Battle Trump's Immigration Policies**

In the wake of President-elect Donald Trump's victory, immigrant-rights organizations across the United States are preparing to confront any policies targeting migrants. With Trump securing both the electoral college and popular votes—the first for a Republican since 2004—his unprecedented focus on immigration during his campaign has catalyzed numerous groups into action. His vows to deport millions of unauthorized immigrants, overhaul the U.S. refugee resettlement program, and end birthright citizenship have been met with resolute opposition from advocacy groups.

Maribel Hernández Rivera, who leads policy and government affairs for border and immigration at the ACLU, described Trump's proposals as "cruel" and affirmed that their organization is equipped to challenge such measures both legally and through advocacy efforts. "We are ready," she declared, emphasizing the preparedness of their legal tools and mobilized populace.

Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, echoed this sentiment, discussing a multifaceted strategy including protests, local legislation, and lawsuits. Reflecting on prior experiences with Trump’s administration, Awawdeh emphasized that rights groups are better prepared this time, focusing on 'know your rights' trainings to empower communities. “This time I feel that we are better prepared and know what to expect and are ready to fight his racist deportation agenda with our members and allies,” he stated.

The familiarity with Trump's approach, unlike the uncertainty faced in 2016, has allowed organizations to prepare more effectively. Rights groups have formed a federal advocacy plan while ACLU state chapters are devising strategies to resist the forthcoming administration. Rivera mentioned their goal to mobilize four million members in defense of immigrants’ rights.

Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA, a national non-profit advocating for migrants, noted disillusionment among blue-collar immigrant workers with the Democratic Party's strategies and policies. He criticized the Harris campaign for not clearly articulating or promoting immigration reforms, and highlighted long-standing unfulfilled promises of immigration reform, dating back 25-30 years. Torres lamented the Democrats' failure to enact substantial reform during former President Barack Obama’s first term despite holding significant power.

Awawdeh pointed out the restrictive immigration measures recently embraced by the White House, such as President Biden's ban on most asylum claims at the southern border—a policy echoing one from Trump's first term. The continuation of programs like the Migrant Protection Protocols and Title 42 during Biden’s term has also sparked frustration. "The Republican Party really spews the rhetoric and then the Democratic Party actually puts that rhetoric into policy," Awawdeh observed, illustrating the bipartisan challenges faced by immigrant communities.