Post-Election Blues – What To Do Now?

The election of Donald J Trump as President of the United States again harkens us back to an era we want to leave behind. For me, it has been important to re-read what I wrote the last time, roll up my sleeves and get to work.

It is completely valid to feel grief about the election, our current and upcoming state of affairs, and it is important to acknowledge those feelings, and move forward.

Donald J. Trump has promised mass deportations, workplace raids, bringing back Remain In Mexico, making it tougher to seek asylum, cutting the refugee admissions program, and cancelling all temporary protected status and parole programs. Whether or not he is successful in these endeavors, we will continue to fight for human rights, decency and help keep families together. Immigrants have already shown we can mobilize and resist under grave political circumstances, and we will continue to do so.

Our civic duty does not end on election day. For those who are gravely concerned about the direction of our country, and with energy to make a difference, please get involved here, and share your resources.

Changes in immigration policies can create uncertainty and anxiety, making it difficult to plan and prepare for the future. Some things you can do now:

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Give yourself time to grieve.
• Prioritize tasks: Break down your work into smaller, manageable tasks. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and push forward even when you’re grieving.
• Take short breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
• Seek support: Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about your feelings.
• Seek legal advice and if you’re eligible for benefits, submit those applications before laws change. In some cases, new laws might tighten eligibility criteria, making it harder to qualify, or get rid of some programs altogether.

There’s a silver-lining here for immigration advocates. We have always known that the Democrats will not liberate us–they have the same anti-immigrant policies sans the rhetoric. The Biden Administration has continuously tried to curtail the right to seek asylum. We have organized and resisted anti-immigrant policies before, and we will continue to do so. We will no longer be alone and scream into the void as the next President comes for our clients and our families. Trump’s victory should galvanize people who cannot look away from the very real violence that they will unleash on women, immigrants, the LGBTQIA community, and many more people.

We know that navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. We are committed to helping you through this journey. To ensure we can assist you promptly, we encourage you to schedule an appointment online, get your applications for relief filed, and not dilly-dally, in case these available benefits are taken away by the next Congress. To help you get started, for a limited time, the initial consultation fee for a 30 min consult will be waived for undocumented youth and aspiring immigrants.

We are not going back.