A diverse panel of immigration experts comprised of journalists and community organizers shared personal experiences and offered insights at a USC Annenberg panel on April 3.
The panel addressed the rapidly growing misinformation and disinformation surrounding Trump’s immigration policies, which panelists referred to as a “campaign of fear” by the current administration, fueling increasing anxiety.
“This administration is putting a lot more money and attention into their videography, photography and what they’re selling to the world,” said Pedro Trujillo, director of organizing at Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).
Trujillo challenged attendees to think outside of the stereotypes that are placed on immigrants and to be “careful not putting people in bubbles.” He said the images being blasted across our screens “doesn’t show the complexities of people.” Trujillo expanded on this concept with an example of how a person could be fearful, but can be seen having a good time at happy hour.
Brian De Los Santos, a reporter at LAist, talked about the approach to helpful immigration reporting.
“As journalists, we say no bias whatnot, right?,” De Los Santos said. “But I think in this position where we’re at, you have to come as a human first, and then come as your profession.”
Rachel Uranaga, an immigration reporter at the Los Angeles Times, talked about the uncertainties associated with immigration reporting.
“You’re operating in a climate where even my sources, I think, are nervous,” Uranga said.
“In the last Trump administration, they were targeting journalists who covered this topic. I’ve just been very careful on how I talk to people, who I talk to, what I record when I say, because these are people’s lives, right?” Uranga said.
De Los Santos and Uranga emphasize that, in times of uncertainty, being a journalist should take a backseat to be a compassionate human being, considerate of all those involved. Trujillo encourages everyone to “put aside the labels” and ask, “how are we caring for each other, even as neighbors?”
Uranga said that accurate reporting often means prioritizing phone conversations over recording, aiming for more direct and thoughtful communication.
Niels Frenzen, a clinical law professor at USC Gould, addressed the state of international students in universities nationwide. Frenzen made clear that no arrests have been made at USC, but that USC along with every other university that enrolls international students has a database that’s administered by ICE called Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
“Nationwide universities have been getting notification that visas, or other aspects of what international students are required to maintain in order to be in legal status, are being terminated,” Frenzen said. “Students are not necessarily aware that their presence has just been made unlawful through some operation by ICE.”
As a result, the student could be arrested. An immigration arrest isn’t as forthcoming as a criminal arrest, as many people who are arrested for immigration-related reasons go missing due to the lack of legal protection. Frenzen advised everyone to record ICE encounters,
“If you witness anything, you can’t intervene, you’ll get arrested, but document. Turn on your phone and start documenting.” Frenzen explains that kind of evidence would lead to a much stronger argument in court.
For any concerns regarding international student status or visas, the USC Gould Immigrant Legal Assistance Center (ILAC) provides free, confidential consultations, legal support and referrals to members of the USC Trojan Family, such as students, staff, faculty, contract employees and their families.