Fact Check: "Trump's immigration policies target long-term residents like Kashanian."
What We Know
The claim that Trump's immigration policies target long-term residents is supported by recent reports highlighting the case of Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, who has lived in the United States for 47 years. She was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while gardening at her home in New Orleans. Kashanian arrived in the U.S. in 1978 on a student visa and later applied for asylum due to fears of retaliation against her family in Iran. Despite her long residency and compliance with immigration requirements, she was detained as part of a broader crackdown on Iranians living in the U.S. following military actions against Iran (ABC News).
Reports indicate that the Trump administration has intensified deportation efforts, particularly targeting individuals from countries like Iran, which have been affected by geopolitical tensions. The Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed the total number of arrests but has acknowledged a significant increase in detentions of Iranians, including those who have lived in the U.S. for decades (ABC News). This suggests a pattern of targeting long-term residents, raising concerns among advocacy groups about the implications for individuals like Kashanian, who have established lives in the U.S. (ABC News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible news sources that document the experiences of long-term residents facing deportation under Trump's immigration policies. The case of Kashanian illustrates the broader trend of increased enforcement actions against individuals who, despite their long-term residency and contributions to society, are vulnerable to deportation due to their immigration status.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include established news organizations with a history of investigative reporting. For instance, ABC News provides detailed accounts of individual cases and the context of the immigration policies in place during Trump's administration (ABC News). Additionally, the National Iranian American Council, quoted in the report, is a recognized advocacy group that focuses on the rights of Iranian Americans, lending further credibility to the concerns raised about the targeting of long-term residents (ABC News).
However, it is important to note that while the reports indicate a pattern of targeting, the specific motivations behind individual arrests can vary. The Trump administration's focus on national security and immigration enforcement may lead to actions that disproportionately affect certain communities, particularly those from countries with strained relations with the U.S. (ABC News).
Overall, the evidence supports the claim that Trump's immigration policies have resulted in the targeting of long-term residents, as demonstrated by the experiences of individuals like Kashanian.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump's immigration policies target long-term residents like Kashanian is substantiated by evidence showing increased deportation actions against individuals who have lived in the U.S. for decades. The case of Kashanian exemplifies the broader trend of enforcement actions that disproportionately affect long-term residents, raising significant concerns about the implications for their rights and safety.
