Local group helps immigrants in wake of Trump’s deportation promise

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — One of Donald Trump's campaign promises if elected was to implement a mass deportation of immigrants.

Many people wonder how the promise will affect those around Youngstown who may forced to leave.

Thrive Mahoning Valley on Wilson Avenue is located at the former rectory of St. Stephen of Hungary Church. It's where people relocating, including immigrants, can go for help.

"We've heard a few things from random individuals who are concerned," said Vicki Vicars, one of the organization's leaders.

"Not specifically from any undocumented individuals but we have heard a couple of different DACA recipients, the dreamers per see," said Christopher Colon, another leader.

Colon and Vicars haven't been bombarded with questions about Trump's promises, but Colon says he talked with one woman who was brought here as a child but is not a citizen.

"[She] has a productive life here in the community and is going to school here now and is worried that if she loses her status, she's going to have to go back, and so she's applying now to get different status just in case," Colon said.

"We just don't know how this is going to play out. So, the biggest thing is just to be prepared," Vicars said.

In the event of deportation, being prepared means having someone to care for children and someone to check on a house. There should be a contact person to call right away and explain they're being deported. They should also have copies of any documents on them at all times.

"If you have a green card, if you have work authorization permit, making sure you have copies of that with you because, chances are, if you're picked up on the street, if you're picked up at work, they're not going to let you go home and get that," Vicars said.

"Power of attorneys — having that kind of stuff in place. For undocumented individuals, it won't be a legal document for them, but to have that kind of thing in place — 'Who's going to take care of my kids, who's going to have access to paying my bills when I'm gone or access to my home?'" Colon said.

Thrive Mahoning Valley says people are welcome to contact them as there will be many questions within the coming months concerning immigration.

Tino DiCenso contributed to this report.