Confusion and concern are widespread following implementation of President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

Many people residing both legally and illegally in Central New York are fearful of deportation.


What You Need To Know

  • Many people in the United States, here both legally and illegally, say they are afraid of being deported

  • Attorney Jose Perez said many migrants lacking legal status are seeking asylum protections in the U.S. as they had escaped persecution

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says, "Refugee status or asylum may be granted to people who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, and/or membership in a particular social group or political"

“We have come to the United States mainly because of delinquency and crimes and also because opportunities as well. We don't have many economic opportunities in our country either right now," said Luz Daquilema Cunas, who words were translated by attorney Jose Perez.

Daquilema Cunas came to America in 2023 seeking the American dream, but also fleeing persecution.

Perez said that’s a common story.

“We have many, many cases like that. I would say probably close to 300 cases," he said. 

“It's very bad. Everybody's coming because of the same reasons that I did – many criminals, many issues with those type of people," said Daquilema Cunas, translated by Perez.

Daquilema Cunas and her family work and go to school. Life changed again for them when Trump took office for a second time.

“We were escaping the persecution and the fear in Ecuador. Now, I feel the same fear here in the United States," she said.

Her family is seeking asylum protections with a court date scheduled for next year. 

“You have two type of process. One that you can file with USCIS when you are not crossing the border, when you came, let's say, on a plane or with a visa, and then you request asylum. The other type of case is when you come from the border and then file your asylum claim in court. When you win either of those two asylum situations, you become a refugee in the United States," said Perez.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says on its website, "Refugee status or asylum may be granted to people who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, and/or membership in a particular social group or political opinion."

“I will ask the president and the people in the community that we are not bad people, we are immigrants. We come here with a purpose, and we are here not to commit crimes or anything like that. We came here to work and to help us, but help also the community in any way we can," Daquilema Cunas said.

Recently, the family said they were one of many to have their passports taken away by ICE during a check-in.

Spectrum News reached out to ICE for comment, and we are awaiting a response.