Opinion: The impact of immigration policies on youth
Calistoga Junior Senior High School Student Photo by writer
It’s clear that the effects of President Donald Trump’s latest immigration policies are being felt by millions of young people across the U.S. These policies, which Trump implemented when he took office for a second term in January, continue to impact youth, who, as a result, are caught in a system of fear, uncertainty and instability. These young people are trying to attend school and thrive in an environment that now undermines their potential, holding them back from building the futures they deserve.
A legacy of fear
During Trump’s first term, which began in 2017, immigration became a top priority, with aggressive policies aimed at ending “illegal” immigration, building a border wall, and reducing refugee intake. For immigrant youth, this meant living in constant fear – fear of losing their families, homes and the futures they had imagined. Trump’s threat to end the DACA program, which had provided vital protection for those brought to the U.S. as children, only deepened this anxiety. While the Supreme Court blocked Trump’s attempt to abolish DACA in 2020, the fear of losing legal status and the uncertainty of future policies continue to haunt many of these young people today.
Now, with Trump’s return to office, that fear remains, as many immigrants still lack clear pathways to citizenship or permanent residency. Without this security, their access to education, jobs, and healthcare is limited, and they live with the constant threat of deportation or family separation. Despite their contributions to their communities, the lack of stable immigration policy keeps them in a perpetual state of uncertainty, unable to fully participate in society.
This issue is not only about immigration; it’s about basic fairness, as these young people, who see the U.S. as their home, struggle to build the future they deserve in a country they’ve long called their own.
Economic and social costs
The truth is, Trump’s immigration policies aren’t just harmful to youth – they’re harmful to everyone. In 2025, the U.S. is struggling to fill important job gaps, especially in skilled industries, such as healthcare, agriculture and construction. Youth, full of drive and ambition, are ready to step in and help. But the policies in place prevent them from fully participating in the workforce, starting businesses, or contributing to the economy the way they want to.
Additionally, there’s the toll it’s taken on their mental health. The stress of living in constant fear of deportation, the uncertainty about family separation, and the frustration of being held back from opportunities are real. Research from the Journal of Education and Learning shows that academic and family stress contribute to depression among students, which negatively affects their academic performance and learning outcomes.
Youth are the future
Despite all the challenges they face, the youth are incredibly resilient. They’re determined, creative and ready to build a better future for everyone – not just themselves. They’re the hope for tomorrow. But to unlock that potential, they need the stability to grow, learn, and contribute without fear holding them back.
Now, in 2025, it’s more important than ever to recognize that today’s youth are the leaders, innovators and change-makers of tomorrow. They’re the future, and it’s time for policies that empower them, not restrict them. The next generation deserves a future where they don’t have to worry about being separated from their families or sent back to countries they barely know. Immigrant youth are the future, and it’s up to all of us to make sure they have the chance to fulfill their potential.
The need for change
It’s clear that the current immigration system is failing the youth. We need reform, and we need it now. It’s time for a system that offers young people a clear path to citizenship, protects families, and provides the tools they need to succeed. If we want to see a society that thrives, we must replace policies built on fear and division with ones that offer stability, hope and opportunity.
