Right now, President Donald Trump of the United States has implemented a series of strict immigration policies that dramatically altered the lives of millions of people, particularly those wanting to travel or visit the United States. For many Hispanic families, these changes have had a profound impact, especially when attending pivotal family events, such as graduations.

Graduation is a moment of great pride, a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope. For families in Mexico, particularly those with children studying in the U.S., these moments are a time to celebrate the achievement of the student. However, Trump’s immigration laws made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, for many families to cross the U.S.-Mexico border to witness their loved one’s accomplishments that have taken years to accomplish.

One of the most significant recent changes that have affected Hispanic families is the new trump deportation stans Many families fear that even if they are lawfully in the united states, the Trump administration will deport them to places that they are not from, like Kilmar Abrego Garcia who is a Citizen of El Salvador that was illegally deported on March 15, 2025, from the United States and was held in custody inside the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) with any trial. To Read More of Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

More people are also afraid because of they have fears of increased scrutiny at border crossings, including potential detainment or deportation, especially under current immigration policies. Trump laws are implementing fear into the lifes of everyday people and they are faced with hard choices like how CNN says on their story called ‘They’ve never been afraid before’: Why some green card holders’ concerns are growing which really shows the fears of people wanting to attend family events.

I also talked to some Herron students to see their and their family’s experience with these policies and what has changed for them. Student 1 has shared their experience with talking with her parents and how it affects them they said:

Student 1: “ I talked to my parents about the current climate of not just Indiana but the us they can travel to some place and be safe but they are still cause since Trump got elected all his policies and just immigration.”

Another student stated

Student 2: “My Grandmother can’t attend my graduation because of how trump immigration policies have made it harder for non-citizens to gain visas or get green cards because of that my Grandmother will not be able to attend my graduation I’ve worked hard to achieve this and I’m sad and I wish she could be there.”