Sharon, what can we do about all this (waves hands at the latest Preamble articles)? I’m grateful to be informed, and better understanding (cruelty is the point). But this week’s content leaves me wanting info on what we can do. You’ve taught us, “The antidote to despair isn't hope, it’s action.” Through calls for donations, and other efforts, you’ve shown that Governerds can make a difference. I'm not asking you to do more work for us (you do SO much), but can contributors include a closing CTA for those of us who want to do something? EXs: links to articles on who's lobbying about this stuff, or orgs that are helping (can we eliminate some immigration debt?). These experts will easily know who's moving the needle on these issues. Can they give homework assignments for those who feel inspired to act?
So many of us are immigrant families and I’m now realizing that I of course benefitted from birthright citizenship and my parents’ earned citizenship doesn’t feel as ironclad as it once did! This issue touches SO MANY FAMILIES!
Also, make sure you're calling your state reps in addition to your federal reps - state reps are usually more accessible, and they can have a greater impact locally. For example, here we're putting pressure on the one county Sheriff who wants to cooperate with ICE. If we can keep him from making any agreement with them, it will give us time to pass a law preventing state law enforcement from cooperating with immigration enforcement.
If you're the type of person who protests, it's worth knowing whether you have an immigrant detention center nearby. Regular protests shed light on human rights abuses and can act as a deterrent.
There are also fliers and postcards that are easy to find online, for informing the public about both what's going on and what actions they can take to stop it. Around here, people post them at intersections, bulletin boards, etc, and they may include details like ICE raid hotlines or Know Your Rights info in multiple languages.
There are so many more options, so hopefully you can find something that feels right to you. <3
You could call your representative and senators and ask them how they plan to support naturalized citizens. Maybe push for legislation that makes it harder to denaturalize.
I feel like I’m going crazy sometimes. I try and discuss my concerns about things like denaturalization, Alligator Alcatraz, etc and am told I’m an extremist and it’s “not that bad.” It seems obvious to me we are in the beginning days of a time where history will not look back kindly on the US. How do I convince the people around me to take my concerns seriously?
Mia, unfortunately, we are past the beginning days. The groundwork has been laid, it is being implemented. We are in the middle days. It is happening on our watch.
You are talking to people who either are happy with what is happening, or are not unhappy about it. Either way, they are part of the problem.
You are part of the solution. You can either spend your energy trying to convince them, or work with others to actively oppose them.
I’m doing my best to actively oppose, but it’s making gatherings with everyone in my family except my husband a headache. Even my mom who is against the mass deportations still doesn’t regret her vote for Trump, and she doesn’t even know we vote for Congress.
You can't convince them. You can only protect your peace. Everyone has to decide what's best for them, what boundaries to draw, but for me, I can't handle family gatherings and have gone low-contact with mine. Personally, that's been better for me as I have SO much less anxiety now and I can actually focus on taking action that will make a difference. Basically, I decided it's not my responsibility to deradicalize people, nor to coddle their support for fascism. Hope you find something that works for you, and solidarity... it's incredibly painful.
I appreciate the desire to give appropriate weight to the current events, but based on other countries who have slid into full-fascism, we are in no way to the middle days section of the horror show.
My husband and I were both Poli Sci majors and had serious political discussions up until 2024. When I started saying Trump was going to win he would get angry. Now that he’s won my husband is shutting down and can no longer discuss anything with detail. He couldn’t pay attention to Obbb but he did pay attention to LA deployments and has protested.
All that to say - people either will not discuss with me or they shut down conversations by shouting about checks and balances, which are very clearly not working. It makes me feel like a crazy extremist.
I definitely feel your frustration. It’s really hard sometimes to convince people that way they are looking at a situation is just not right. I get that most people think of themselves as good people, so by extension they think the way they see the world is also good. But I try to remind people that German’s also saw themselves as good people I’m sure even as they were watching their own atrocities.
I have done naturalization hearings. These people have worked hard to become American citizens and have passed test that many native born citizens couldn’t pass. They are generally hard working citizens who are proud to be Americans. This is worrisome.
This is terrifying. I’m a naturalized citizen after a long, excruciating immigration process. I have a 1-year-old daughter, a new home, a husband, working full-time while attending nursing school. Despite everything on my plate, I’m doing my part, speaking up and sounding the alarm about this administration, where cruelty so often seems to be the point.
But reading this article truly shakes me. I don’t want to become a target. The fear is real. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
At the same time, staying silent would go against everything I believe in. I want to raise my daughter in a country where standing up for what’s right isn’t punished, but protected.
Thank you for reminding me of my privilege as a 3rd generation American with birthright citizenship who is married to a 3rd generation American with birthright citizenship. If I needed any more encouragement to yell a little louder, this was it.
My heart breaks for the fear your adopted country and fellow Americans are inspiring in you. 💔
A virtual hug for you. This is such a fraught and stressful time in general. I can't imagine the spot you are in as a naturalized citizen, a mom, and someone working in health care with all the MAHA nonsense.
I live in Florida. I cannot express the shame I feel over Alligator Alcatraz. This article is startling, even though I guess none of this should be surprising. Yet each blow seems to hit harder and harm more people. It's the height of evil and I fear for what this country will look like whenever this ends.
First, it will be "criminals", then it will be 1st generation Americans, where both parents were immigrants. The 1st generation Americans, where one parent was an immigrant, and so on. They want to rid this country of everyone who disagrees with them. If they can't do it legally, they will do it by force.
My partner’s grandmother immigrated from Ukraine after WWII. She is a naturalized citizen and is now in her mid nineties. The thought that there could be any chance of her getting her citizenship taken away scares me badly. She is in poor health and the stress would be too much for her. Oh, and her hometown was completely bombed by Russia at the start of the war. This isn’t right. None of this is right.
The most important statement in this article: "...this kind of power rarely stays in just one party’s hands."
I am still confident that Dems will seize control of Congress in January, '27, and two years later--the presidency.
I would actually prefer that the current "presidential immunity" decision be legislatively overturned sooner...however, I also wouldn't mind if Dems had a bite of that apple first.
This is both heartbreaking and disgusting. That an administration that is as morally bankrupt as the one we currently have could pronounce judgment on *anyone’s* moral character is not only laughable, but fundamentally wrong. Nov. 2026 cannot come soon enough, and I hope voter turnout is record-breaking.
so much for the argument that people should come here and become citizens by "following the rules." Even then you aren't safe. At what point do people just decide the United states is not worth it? What does this mean to the US culture and economy, health care research and science?
It means nothing good, of that I'm certain. There are multiple countries asking our scientists, doctors, and researchers to come to their country now that the US is cutting all their funding or positions. We will lose our best and brightest.
Sharon, what can we do about all this (waves hands at the latest Preamble articles)? I’m grateful to be informed, and better understanding (cruelty is the point). But this week’s content leaves me wanting info on what we can do. You’ve taught us, “The antidote to despair isn't hope, it’s action.” Through calls for donations, and other efforts, you’ve shown that Governerds can make a difference. I'm not asking you to do more work for us (you do SO much), but can contributors include a closing CTA for those of us who want to do something? EXs: links to articles on who's lobbying about this stuff, or orgs that are helping (can we eliminate some immigration debt?). These experts will easily know who's moving the needle on these issues. Can they give homework assignments for those who feel inspired to act?
So many of us are immigrant families and I’m now realizing that I of course benefitted from birthright citizenship and my parents’ earned citizenship doesn’t feel as ironclad as it once did! This issue touches SO MANY FAMILIES!
Part of the issue may be that there are very few national networks for this purpose. The most effective actions are taken by local groups, so I would do some googling to find yours. There are some like https://www.justice4all.org/rapid-response-toolkit/ and here in MA we have https://www.lucemass.org/
Also, make sure you're calling your state reps in addition to your federal reps - state reps are usually more accessible, and they can have a greater impact locally. For example, here we're putting pressure on the one county Sheriff who wants to cooperate with ICE. If we can keep him from making any agreement with them, it will give us time to pass a law preventing state law enforcement from cooperating with immigration enforcement.
If you're the type of person who protests, it's worth knowing whether you have an immigrant detention center nearby. Regular protests shed light on human rights abuses and can act as a deterrent.
There are also fliers and postcards that are easy to find online, for informing the public about both what's going on and what actions they can take to stop it. Around here, people post them at intersections, bulletin boards, etc, and they may include details like ICE raid hotlines or Know Your Rights info in multiple languages.
There are so many more options, so hopefully you can find something that feels right to you. <3
When ICE comes to your neighborhood….some good trouble might be a good idea.
You could call your representative and senators and ask them how they plan to support naturalized citizens. Maybe push for legislation that makes it harder to denaturalize.
I feel like I’m going crazy sometimes. I try and discuss my concerns about things like denaturalization, Alligator Alcatraz, etc and am told I’m an extremist and it’s “not that bad.” It seems obvious to me we are in the beginning days of a time where history will not look back kindly on the US. How do I convince the people around me to take my concerns seriously?
Mia, unfortunately, we are past the beginning days. The groundwork has been laid, it is being implemented. We are in the middle days. It is happening on our watch.
You are talking to people who either are happy with what is happening, or are not unhappy about it. Either way, they are part of the problem.
You are part of the solution. You can either spend your energy trying to convince them, or work with others to actively oppose them.
I’m doing my best to actively oppose, but it’s making gatherings with everyone in my family except my husband a headache. Even my mom who is against the mass deportations still doesn’t regret her vote for Trump, and she doesn’t even know we vote for Congress.
You can't convince them. You can only protect your peace. Everyone has to decide what's best for them, what boundaries to draw, but for me, I can't handle family gatherings and have gone low-contact with mine. Personally, that's been better for me as I have SO much less anxiety now and I can actually focus on taking action that will make a difference. Basically, I decided it's not my responsibility to deradicalize people, nor to coddle their support for fascism. Hope you find something that works for you, and solidarity... it's incredibly painful.
Missy, thank you for your wise words..
If you haven’t already, start building a strong support network of people that don’t include your family.
Mia, thank you for your active opposition.
I am sorry about your mother. She is telling you who she is. I sincerely wish you luck educating her.
You are not alone. I am grateful We are together in action and not indifference.
I appreciate the desire to give appropriate weight to the current events, but based on other countries who have slid into full-fascism, we are in no way to the middle days section of the horror show.
Thank you for your input, Elizabeth. In your opinion, where do you estimate we are?
Beginning Stage - Planning -Project 2025
Middle stage - eliminate checks and balances - Implementation
End stage - fascism
My husband and I were both Poli Sci majors and had serious political discussions up until 2024. When I started saying Trump was going to win he would get angry. Now that he’s won my husband is shutting down and can no longer discuss anything with detail. He couldn’t pay attention to Obbb but he did pay attention to LA deployments and has protested.
All that to say - people either will not discuss with me or they shut down conversations by shouting about checks and balances, which are very clearly not working. It makes me feel like a crazy extremist.
Rachel, we will discuss here. You are not crazy, nor an extremist. We are here for you.
I definitely feel your frustration. It’s really hard sometimes to convince people that way they are looking at a situation is just not right. I get that most people think of themselves as good people, so by extension they think the way they see the world is also good. But I try to remind people that German’s also saw themselves as good people I’m sure even as they were watching their own atrocities.
There is no Republican Party, only the Maga Cult who bows down to their supreme evil leader. They are the extremists
You are not correct here.
I have done naturalization hearings. These people have worked hard to become American citizens and have passed test that many native born citizens couldn’t pass. They are generally hard working citizens who are proud to be Americans. This is worrisome.
And all the while a convicted felon is the one deciding who is a criminal threat to the US. This is horrifying.
This is terrifying. I’m a naturalized citizen after a long, excruciating immigration process. I have a 1-year-old daughter, a new home, a husband, working full-time while attending nursing school. Despite everything on my plate, I’m doing my part, speaking up and sounding the alarm about this administration, where cruelty so often seems to be the point.
But reading this article truly shakes me. I don’t want to become a target. The fear is real. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
At the same time, staying silent would go against everything I believe in. I want to raise my daughter in a country where standing up for what’s right isn’t punished, but protected.
Thank you for reminding me of my privilege as a 3rd generation American with birthright citizenship who is married to a 3rd generation American with birthright citizenship. If I needed any more encouragement to yell a little louder, this was it.
My heart breaks for the fear your adopted country and fellow Americans are inspiring in you. 💔
A virtual hug for you. This is such a fraught and stressful time in general. I can't imagine the spot you are in as a naturalized citizen, a mom, and someone working in health care with all the MAHA nonsense.
❤️❤️❤️
Same here. You are not alone ❤️
Just a continuation of othering. Added to the dehumanization, it’s a complete rejection of the ideals this country (of immigrants) was founded upon. 😢
It is about control. It is another way to control people.
That’s what fascist regimes do. They control people.
Call it what it is.
“Good moral character!!?” And the felon decides?? 😫😡
I live in Florida. I cannot express the shame I feel over Alligator Alcatraz. This article is startling, even though I guess none of this should be surprising. Yet each blow seems to hit harder and harm more people. It's the height of evil and I fear for what this country will look like whenever this ends.
"Good moral character"? I believe we definitely need to revoke citizenship on this administration under this rule!
The come for the citizens next.
100%
First, it will be "criminals", then it will be 1st generation Americans, where both parents were immigrants. The 1st generation Americans, where one parent was an immigrant, and so on. They want to rid this country of everyone who disagrees with them. If they can't do it legally, they will do it by force.
They want a white christian majority in the US. It was never about deporting the "worst of the worst criminals".
My partner’s grandmother immigrated from Ukraine after WWII. She is a naturalized citizen and is now in her mid nineties. The thought that there could be any chance of her getting her citizenship taken away scares me badly. She is in poor health and the stress would be too much for her. Oh, and her hometown was completely bombed by Russia at the start of the war. This isn’t right. None of this is right.
The most important statement in this article: "...this kind of power rarely stays in just one party’s hands."
I am still confident that Dems will seize control of Congress in January, '27, and two years later--the presidency.
I would actually prefer that the current "presidential immunity" decision be legislatively overturned sooner...however, I also wouldn't mind if Dems had a bite of that apple first.
This is both heartbreaking and disgusting. That an administration that is as morally bankrupt as the one we currently have could pronounce judgment on *anyone’s* moral character is not only laughable, but fundamentally wrong. Nov. 2026 cannot come soon enough, and I hope voter turnout is record-breaking.
so much for the argument that people should come here and become citizens by "following the rules." Even then you aren't safe. At what point do people just decide the United states is not worth it? What does this mean to the US culture and economy, health care research and science?
It means nothing good, of that I'm certain. There are multiple countries asking our scientists, doctors, and researchers to come to their country now that the US is cutting all their funding or positions. We will lose our best and brightest.