A new policy introduced by the Trump Administration threatens to significantly impact Fijians living in the United States. Under this directive, immigrants who are in the U.S. on green cards but have failed to become citizens due to criminal activities will face deportation to their home countries.
Dorsami Naidu, a lawyer from Nadi and former president of the Fiji Law Society, has raised concerns about the potential influx of deportees from the U.S. Following the announcement, Mr. Naidu emphasized that many Fijians may find themselves at risk of deportation, particularly those who have overstayed their visas or committed crimes while in the U.S. “President Trump’s definition of illegal immigrants now includes individuals who have lived in the country legally for many years but have not achieved citizenship due to criminal records,” he stated.
Despite the complexities of this issue, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has publicly supported the policy. Mr. Naidu cautioned that the Prime Minister may not fully understand the challenges these deportees will bring upon their return to Fiji. As it stands, data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that 353 Fijians currently have final orders of removal.
This situation calls for careful consideration and preparation from the Fijian government to support these individuals upon their return, ensuring that they can reintegrate into society effectively and contribute positively to their communities. It also highlights the need for broader discussions on immigration policies and their implications for families and societies in both the U.S. and Fiji.
In summary, as the Trump Administration implements its new immigration policies, Fiji must brace for a potential wave of deported citizens, prompting discussions around reintegration and support systems for affected individuals.
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