Immigration 101

How Policies Impact Families

Immigration policies in the United States have long been a topic of heated debate, political tug-of-war, and widespread confusion—especially for families caught in the middle. For many, immigration isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about staying together, accessing opportunity, and navigating a system that too often feels more like a barrier than a bridge.

Understanding the Landscape

The U.S. immigration system is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a federal law that regulates how individuals from other countries can enter, live, and work in the United States. The problem? It’s outdated, overly complex, and inconsistently enforced—leaving many families in legal limbo.

When policy changes occur—whether through executive orders, legislation, or agency rule shifts—families are often the first to feel the impact. Delays in visa processing, backlogs in asylum claims, and aggressive enforcement actions can separate parents from children, disrupt livelihoods, and contribute to mental health crises that reverberate across generations.

Why It Matters for Families

Family-based immigration is supposed to be one of the pillars of U.S. immigration policy. Yet, in practice, it's often undermined. Take for example the case of mixed-status families—where some members are U.S. citizens while others are undocumented or in the process of adjusting status. These families live under constant stress, often avoiding health care, legal support, or even school engagement for fear of deportation.

Under certain administrations, we’ve seen family separation policies at the border, the end of programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), and the public charge rule, which discouraged immigrant families from accessing vital services like Medicaid or SNAP. These are not just legal shifts—they’re emotional, financial, and cultural earthquakes for families.

Policy Awareness as Protection

One of the most powerful tools families can have is information. Knowing your rights, understanding current laws, and preparing for policy shifts can make the difference between security and vulnerability. Unfortunately, many families—especially those with limited English proficiency or access to legal services—are left in the dark.

That’s why we created Immigration 101, an educational video series designed to break down immigration policies in plain language. We want immigrant families to feel empowered, not paralyzed, by the system they’re navigating. We also aim to educate allies, service providers, and policymakers who often overlook how real families are impacted by the policies they create or enforce.

Your Voice Matters

We invite you to watch our latest video and share your experiences, questions, or concerns in the comments. Whether you’re going through the immigration process yourself or supporting someone who is, your voice adds value. Together, we can build a more informed and compassionate community—one that values family unity, dignity, and justice.

📽️ Watch the video now: https://www.youtube.com/@femmu