Centro Latino Hickory NC leader speaks out on fears, worries

“I’d like to state that we are not criminals or here to steal anyone’s jobs,” Hill said. “We have dreams, and we struggle and have feelings just like you. We are more than a legal status. We are more than what the new administration states we are. We are human.”

On day one in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.

Birthright citizenship “is a legal principle under which citizenship is automatically granted to individuals upon birth” in the United States, according to the American Immigration Council.

The Trump administration also reversed policies that limited where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can enforce immigration, according to an Associated Press article. This allows ICE and CBP to make arrests inside locations such as schools and churches.

We asked Hill about her concerns, the Hispanic and Latin community’s reactions and more. Here is what she said. Her responses have been lightly edited for publication.

I have many concerns about the new administration’s attitude and actions towards immigration and immigrants. My major concern is the dehumanization of immigrants, regardless of status, framing us as threats instead of contributors to society. The current administration is creating policies that are being fed off fear, hate, and ignorance. They are ignoring facts and data while spreading false information, which is very dangerous.

There is great fear and anxiety in our community right now. There is fear of separation of families, deportation raids and changes in policies for asylum and visa holders. Children fear going to school only to return to their parents being gone. Parents fear sending their children to school. Parents worry about what could happen to their children if they are detained or deported, and young people fear losing the opportunity to pursue higher education or work. People are scared to go to work. People are concerned for the future of this country we all love.

Our community is resilient. While reactions vary, many of us feel anxious and fearful. But we are motivated to keep striving for a better tomorrow. There’s a growing demand for Know Your Rights workshops and legal assistance. People are relying more on trusted organizations like Centro Latino for guidance, support and reassurance during this time of uncertainty.

Common misconceptions about our communities are that immigrants don’t pay taxes when in reality, immigrants, including those who are undocumented, pay over $400 billion annually in federal, state and local taxes, according to the American Immigration Council.

Another misconception is that immigrants are a financial burden or drain on public resources, which is simply not true. Immigrants contribute to social security, Medicare, and other services that many will never have access to. Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for most federal services but contribute to our economy.

Some common misconceptions about Hispanic/Latin people who immigrated to the U.S. is that we’re all from Mexico. We are a beautiful, diverse population that stems from so many different countries with so much to give and share.

There’s a common misconception that all Hispanic/Latin immigrants are undocumented, which is far from true.

Another is that immigrants don’t want to learn English or assimilate, when in reality, many are eager to integrate and face barriers like cost and access to education.

There is also the false belief that immigrants don’t contribute to the economy, when in fact, they are essential to industries like agriculture, construction and healthcare.

Nationwide, I expect these actions will polarize communities further, create fear and disruption of families. Economically, I expect major labor shortages and increased goods pricing. Locally, I expect increased fear of or mistrust of law enforcement and a decrease in families in public spaces due to fear of ICE raids.

I want people to understand that these implications don’t just affect immigrants, they affect everyone. When fear governs policies, communities are destabilized. Children grow up in trauma, economies shrink and the moral foundation of society is tested. We all have a responsibility to uphold human dignity and advocate for fairness and equity, regardless of status.

The focus needs to be on education, advocacy and solidarity. Organizations like Centro Latino will continue to educate the community about their rights and provide resources. We will continue to work with the community at-large and continue building bridges. At the same time, we need allies, people who will stand alongside us to amplify our voices and push for change. It starts at home. It starts in our corner of the world.

I’d like to state that we are not criminals or here to steal anyone’s jobs. We are here to work for a better tomorrow. We are leaders, police officers, and business owners. We are construction workers, doctors and nurses. We are neighbors. We are friends. We are moms, and we are dads. We are students, and we are dreamers.

I would like to highlight the resilience and strength of the Hispanic/Latin community. Despite these challenges, we continue to build businesses, pursue education and raise families with hope for the future. Our work is not only about responding to immediate needs but also about empowering the next generation to lead with confidence and strength.