Some Immigrants Are Leaving the US in Self-Deportations Amid Uncertainty

Tracy: Michel Bérrios left the U.S. just before the new year, marking a small win for Trump’s deportation agenda. She had been living legally in the U.S. but felt anxious about the harsh rhetoric during the election.

Bérrios, a former Nicaraguan student leader, had nearly a year left under humanitarian parole. But the fear of returning to a life of hiding from authorities pushed her to leave. Advocates say her choice reflects a growing trend of immigrants leaving the U.S. due to uncertainty.

While there’s no solid data on these departures, history shows that tough political climates can drive people away. Trump’s strategy of making life uncomfortable for immigrants seems to be working, as he aims for self-deportation without heavy government action.

Bérrios shared her experience, saying she thought life in the U.S. would be different. Instead, she faced anti-immigrant sentiments at work, which reminded her of the fear she felt back home. In Nicaragua, she had to change her life drastically to avoid the government’s crackdown on dissent.

With Trump’s return to power, she felt that fear creeping back. Many people in similar situations worry about their temporary status ending. Bérrios was one of about 1.5 million people with temporary protected status or humanitarian parole, which Trump has threatened to end.

Before moving to the U.S., Bérrios led a normal life in Nicaragua, working and studying. But protests against the government turned violent, and she became a target. After her cousin sponsored her, she arrived in the U.S. in 2023, but the political climate soon made her uneasy.

Deciding to leave for Ireland, where she had friends, felt like a better option. She found the asylum process there more favorable and less hostile than in other European countries. Upon arriving in Dublin, she requested humanitarian protection and was quickly processed.

Now, she shares a room with women from various 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 made along the way.