NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — It's estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of unauthorized immigrants living and working in Tennessee.
The immigrant community is under the microscope as President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to deport millions of people here illegally.
"He flew for the President Of Venezuela," explained Isaac Gomez, as he sat and described his father.
His father was person who ultimately brought Gomez to the United States.
"The U.S., in my head, was like Disneyland," Gomez said, remembering the stories his father would share.
As a major in the Air Force, his father would frequently fly back and forth between Venezuela and the U.S. However, at 8 years old, Gomez learned that his entire family would permanently move to the U.S. It's something he admitted that he wasn't excited about at such a young age, but now, he's proud to call America home — legally.
It's the reason why, when worries of deportation amongst immigrants sent shockwaves throughout the country, Gomez chose to remain hopeful for those he knows.
"People are scared," Gomez said. "We get immigrants all the time coming to church, 'Oh, I'm afraid they're going to deport us,' and I'm like, 'Calm down. I know there is a lot of stuff going on in the news, but if you're doing good, they're not going to deport you."
The concern comes as President-elect Donald Trump announced immigration as a top priority once in office.
"Immediately upon taking the oath of office, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history," Trump said in October while campaigning.
There were nearly 9 million land encounters on the southern border since 2021.
"Every president I've worked for said they're going to secure the border. President Trump actually did it. He created the most secure border in our history and that's a stone-cold fact the data proves it. And guess what? He's going to do it again," said Tom Homan during the 2024 Republican National Convention.
This week, Trump announced Homan, his former action U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director, will serve as "border czar" in his upcoming administration. This will likely play a role in Trump's pledge to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
While some fear the new administration could impact their families, others are hopeful the plans — if they happen — will make the country better.
"Not all Hispanic people are bad," Gomez said. "We have good people and we have bad people like any other country, but I'm in favor of deportation of all these people that are out there committing crimes."
The Nashville International Center for Empowerment, released a statement shortly after the election results were revealed. In 2005, the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE) was founded by a group of Sudanese refugee men and women who wanted to help other refugees and immigrants living in Middle Tennessee.
The statement reads:
Along with the rest of the nation, NICE is processing the results of the presidential election.
For nearly 20 years, we have served New Americans as they begin the newest chapter of their lives in the United States.
NICE remains steadfast in our commitment to this work of serving refugees. We will continue to stand with the New American community by providing programs and services that create pathways to cultural integration, economic success, and prosperity.
As a non-profit, non-partisan community-based organization, NICE is ready to work with the incoming administration to ensure that the refugees and humanitarian immigrants who are welcomed to the United States by the federal government are able to thrive.
The US Refugee Resettlement program has been a cornerstone of our nation’s formal immigration policy since 1980. Each year, the United States welcomes a small group of refugees – individuals and families who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to war, persecution, and violence. Many families have waited for a decade or more to begin their resettlement journey, and upon being selected to travel to the US, they have undergone extensive vetting and security screenings, a process that takes an average of an additional two years before they come.
Over these past two decades, NICE has seen thousands of lives be transformed through our resettlement program. The families we serve are courageous, resilient, hard-working, and kind. They contribute to the cultural and economic richness of our city, region, state, and nation. They love this country, and the promise of hope it offers. You can view some of those inspiring stories here in our new mini-documentary.
We know that the path ahead of us will be challenging, but we also have a fervent belief in the power of our community. During this period of transition, we call upon all those who stand with refugees to walk alongside NICE and our new neighbors as they pursue their American dreams.
If you are moved to make a gift to support refugee and immigrant families in Middle Tennessee, you can do so here. If you would like to volunteer your time to provide hands-on assistance to newcomer families, you can see a current list of opportunities here.
We are immensely grateful for your support during this time and always.
Dr. Gatluak Thach, Founder & CEO