As Trump’s threats loom, some immigrants are choosing to leave the US, fearing for their future.
Bérrios, a former student protest leader, decided to leave despite her legal status. Advocates say her choice reflects a growing trend of immigrants leaving the U.S. due to fear and uncertainty. While there’s no solid data on these departures, history shows that tough political climates can push migrants out.
Trump’s strategy seems to rely on this “self-deportation” idea, making life tough enough for people to leave voluntarily. Bérrios shared her feelings of not being welcome in the U.S., especially as anti-immigrant sentiments grew around her.
Living in California, she worked at an auto repair shop but felt increasingly uncomfortable. The memories of her life in Nicaragua, where she had to hide from the government, haunted her. With Trump back in power, she felt that fear creeping back.
Many people in similar situations are worried about their temporary status ending. Bérrios was one of about 1.5 million people with temporary protections who could be affected by Trump’s plans to end these programs.
Before moving to the U.S., Bérrios had a normal life in Nicaragua, working and studying. But protests against the government led to violence, and she became a target. After fleeing to the U.S., she found a cousin willing to sponsor her, but the political climate made her anxious.
With no option to return home, she decided to move to Ireland, where she felt there were better opportunities. Upon arriving, she applied for humanitarian protection and was quickly processed, receiving a government ID and a place to stay.
Now, she shares a room with other women from different countries and is looking forward to enrolling in school while waiting for her work permit. If all goes well, she could gain permanent residency in about a year.
Bérrios remains hopeful, reflecting on her journey and the sacrifices she’s made. She believes that with patience, things might turn out better than expected.
