America’s immigration landscape in 2025 is at a crossroads. With shifting policies, economic realities, and a divided political climate, immigrants—documented and undocumented—face an uncertain yet pivotal moment. The next steps will require resilience, advocacy, and strategic navigation of evolving laws. A roundtable briefing with Houston Ethnic Media Services took place at the end of January to discuss the new heightened immigration enforcement strategies from the new administration.
A Political Battleground
With the return of Trump, his administration has promised mass deportations and policies restricting legal pathways to citizenship. At the state level, Texas leaders like Governor Greg Abbott continue pushing hardline immigration policies, from Operation Lone Star to anti-sanctuary city laws. Kristin Etter, Director of Policy and Legal Services at the Texas Immigration Legal Council, detailed how Texas has served as a “model for the Trump prototype of mass deportation.” She emphasized that Operation Lone Star, launched by Governor Greg Abbott in 2021, laid the groundwork for these federal-level efforts.
She then began to discuss the similarities found in the new administrations strategy, for example: These measures increase law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement, making undocumented immigrants more vulnerable to detention and deportation. However, Houston has always been a city that embraces immigrants, and local leaders, businesses, and advocacy groups are pushing back. Mayor John Whitmire and city officials face the challenge of balancing state and federal pressures while protecting the communities that make Houston thrive.
Yet, state and local governments, businesses, and advocacy groups stand as counterforces. While federal policies may become more restrictive, states like California, New York, and Illinois are expanding protections for undocumented workers and asylum seekers. Cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have strengthened their sanctuary policies, limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
This sets up a legal showdown: Will states defy federal crackdowns? Will businesses and advocacy groups mount resistance? The next few months will reveal how far these battles will go.
The Economic Reality: The U.S. Needs Immigrants
Despite the political rhetoric, America’s economy depends on immigrant labor. From tech to healthcare to agriculture, immigrants fill critical workforce gaps. The U.S. faces labor shortages, and restricting immigration will only exacerbate the problem.
Take Texas, where industries like construction and farming rely heavily on immigrant workers. If mass deportations move forward, businesses will struggle, food prices could rise, and entire industries may face workforce crises. Even conservative economists warn that removing millions of workers would be a self-inflicted wound.
At the same time, skilled workers seeking H-1B visas or permanent residency may face new hurdles if restrictions tighten. Countries like Canada and Germany, which are expanding immigrant pathways, could benefit from a U.S. talent drain.
What have we seen on the ground floor? With my own eyes I have seen what I call “a modernized Underground Railroad”. People meeting up in McDonald’s and other places to organize and support each other. We have seen in the news that US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and others are providing resources for undocumented/documented immigrants. Additionally we have heard the ridiculous “Gold Card” announcement, that the 47th President will be issuing these 5 million dollar cards to anyone who can purchase them and they will give you a path to citizenship.
So What Can Immigrants Do?
With uncertainty looming, immigrants must take proactive steps:
- Secure Legal Protections – Those eligible for green cards, citizenship, or work visas should pursue legal status now. Seeking legal counsel to explore options, from asylum claims to employment sponsorship, is critical.
- Stay Informed – Policies are shifting rapidly. Organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and local immigrant advocacy groups provide updates and resources.
- Build Community Networks – Immigrant communities must strengthen support networks. Grassroots organizations, churches, and legal aid groups can offer assistance during uncertain times.
- Engage Politically – Even those who cannot vote can mobilize. Allies and naturalized immigrants should advocate for humane policies through protests, petitions, and lobbying efforts.
A Moment for Resistance and Reform
While 2025 presents serious challenges, it also offers opportunities. The backlash against extreme immigration measures could spark renewed calls for reform. Businesses, faith groups, and activists are already mobilizing against policies that harm families and the economy.
The next step for immigrants is to stay vigilant, prepared, and united. America’s immigration story has always been one of struggle and perseverance. This chapter will be no different.
While federal and state policies may tighten, Houston’s local organizations continue to provide critical support. Nonprofits, churches, and legal aid groups are mobilizing to offer legal defense, housing assistance, and employment guidance. The city’s resilience has always been built on its diversity, and that spirit of solidarity remains strong.
Houston immigrants are at a crossroads. The next steps will determine not just their own futures, but the future of the city itself. Whether through local resistance, economic necessity, or community-driven action, Houston immigrants must stay informed, engaged, and united.
This article has been updated