Bhutanese in US Alarmed Amid Stringent Immigration Crackdown

Bhutanese migrants residing in the United States are increasingly anxious over the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, which have set off a wave of deportations and intensified scrutiny of individuals with uncertain legal status. The administration’s hardline stance—characterized by labeling undocumented immigrants as “criminal illegal aliens”—has created a climate of fear that is reverberating even among the relatively small Bhutanese community.

The crackdown, initiated by a priority executive order on President Donald Trump’s first day in office, aims to execute what has been termed the largest deportation in US history. Under current US law, those who enter the country without proper documentation, use forged travel documents, or fail to meet visa requirements are at risk. While Bhutanese migrants with permanent legal status are largely insulated from these measures, those holding temporary visas or other precarious statuses have become increasingly vulnerable.

In cities with sizeable Bhutanese populations, such as New York’s Jackson Heights, the effects of the policy have been palpable. One migrant shared his experience, stating, “There is checking everywhere, especially in Jackson Heights. I have to pass through Jackson Heights for work and to escape inspection I once booked an Uber and one time changed the metro route to avoid Jackson Heights.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend: many Bhutanese are now avoiding not only public areas but also community events, fearing that routine interactions might result in detention or deportation.

Reports suggest that more than 100 Bhutanese individuals could be affected by the deportation efforts—though some speculate the numbers might be higher. In addition to targeted immigration raids and document checks, the Department of Homeland Security has expanded its mandate, authorizing enforcement agencies to arrest undocumented individuals in public spaces previously considered safe havens, such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This development has further eroded the sense of security among migrant communities.

For many Bhutanese migrants, the US has long been seen as a land of opportunity, particularly for those who have journeyed from countries like Australia and Canada. However, the heightened enforcement measures have begun to have adverse effects on their livelihoods. Job opportunities are dwindling, and the fear of being detained during daily activities is pushing some to withdraw from social gatherings altogether.

Despite these widespread concerns, there has been no formal communication or announcement specifically addressing the status of Bhutanese citizens under the current deportation drive. Immigration experts and community leaders continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that while Bhutanese make up a small fraction of undocumented immigrants in the US, the ripple effects of these policies could have broader repercussions for the community.

As the 2025 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery sees a slight decrease in Bhutanese applicants—from 347 in 2023 to 269 this year—the uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement only compounds the challenges faced by migrants. With essential services and support networks now under heightened surveillance, many Bhutanese are left to navigate an increasingly complex and fraught environment far from home.

For now, the community remains on high alert, weighing the risks of everyday activities against the pressing need to secure a better future, even as the shadow of deportation looms large over their aspirations in America.

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