The five toughest hurdles for immigrants in Detroit, and the support that makes a difference
In Detroit and across the country, immigrants are facing a harsher reality than ever before. At SWIRC, our mission is to support and empower the people who make our city vibrant. Our clients are those striving to build new lives amid daunting challenges. Here are the five most pressing concerns affecting them and their families this year:
1. Living Under the Threat of Deportation
Recently, we’ve witnessed a surge in detentions and deportations, sometimes even for minor paperwork issues or administrative errors. Our SWIRC clients face the threat of removal as a constant presence. The fear of being taken from loved ones or losing stability hangs over thousands, making every day uncertain.
2. Losing Critical Legal Protections
Many long-time Detroit residents with DACA, TPS, or humanitarian visa status are watching these programs vanish or tighten, sometimes at a moment’s notice. For those who came here as children or fled danger abroad, this uncertainty disrupts education, jobs, and futures every single day.
3. Workplace Scrutiny and Loss of Employment
Long delays at USCIS in producing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) mean that many immigrants face job losses because their existing cards are expired. Compounding problems is the recent change in policy that considered expired EADs valid for those who had applied for new cards. No longer. People can no longer work legally whose EADs are expired, even though delays in obtaining new cards is beyond their control. This policy change will have catastrophic results for many low-income families.
4. Difficulty Accessing Services and Benefits
SWIRC regularly helps families who avoid seeking healthcare, food support, or housing—even when eligible—because using public programs might jeopardize their immigration status. The “public charge” law has led to heartbreaking choices between basic needs and survival in the U.S.
5. Waiting in Endless Lines for Justice
The immigration court system is overflowing, turning months into years for families seeking protection, citizenship, or to simply reunite. SWIRC lawyers continue to fight for Detroiters caught in this backlog, but frustration and fear grow each day.
Hope and Support in Southwest Detroit
Despite these obstacles, hope continues to thrive at SWIRC. Our team, along with passionate volunteers and community allies, stands with immigrants through every step—providing legal help, guidance, and a place to be heard. Our work is more essential than ever, and together, we can build a more welcoming Detroit.
For those worried about what’s next, know that SWIRC is here. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out. We fight for your story, your rights, and your future. Because every immigrant deserves a fair chance and a safe place to call home.
