This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex, varies by individual circumstance, and changes frequently. Every immigration case is unique. Do not make legal decisions based on this article alone. Always consult with a qualified, licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation before taking any action.
In early 2025, Maria*, a Cuban mother of two living in Florida, went to her routine immigration check-in expecting nothing unusual. She’d been in the United States for three years, working cleaning offices and sending money home to family. Instead of the usual paperwork, ICE officers detained her and began deportation proceedings.
Maria’s story is not unique. Across the country, immigrant women who thought they were safe are discovering that longstanding protections have vanished seemingly overnight. The landscape of US immigration enforcement shifted seismically in 2025, leaving hundreds of thousands of people—particularly women with families—in legal limbo.
If you’re an immigrant woman wondering where you stand, what protections still exist, and what options remain available, this guide will help you understand the current reality and connect you with resources that can help.
What Changed in 2025
The changes to immigration enforcement in 2025 have been swift and sweeping. According to the Migration Policy Institute, the government terminated multiple “twilight” legal statuses that hundreds of thousands of immigrants relied upon.
The End of Humanitarian Parole
In March 2025, the Department of Homeland Security terminated legal status for over 530,000 people who had entered through humanitarian parole programs, including:
- 110,240 Cubans
- 211,040 Haitians
- 93,070 Nicaraguans
- 117,330 Venezuelans
These individuals, who had entered legally with US sponsors and work authorization, suddenly faced a 30-day deadline to leave or face deportation. Many were women supporting families, working jobs, and contributing to their communities.
Cuban Deportations: A Community in Shock
The Cuban-American community, traditionally strong Trump supporters, has been particularly shocked by enforcement changes. WLRN reports that Cubans who enjoyed nearly automatic refugee status for decades are now being deported—some to Mexico rather than Cuba.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, hundreds of Cubans with old criminal records—some from decades ago, after serving their sentences—are being sent in buses to Mexico and left in shelters without family contacts or resources.
Who’s at Risk
Immigration attorneys report that enforcement has expanded far beyond previous priorities. Nearly 50% of those being detained and deported have no criminal record. People at heightened risk include:
- Anyone without legal status, regardless of how long they’ve been in the US
- People with final removal orders, even from years ago
- Individuals being arrested at routine immigration check-ins
- Those with pending asylum cases (cases are being dismissed at ICE’s request)
- People with humanitarian parole whose status was terminated
Understanding Sanctuary Cities: What They Are (and Aren’t)
When people hear about “sanctuary cities,” many assume these are places where undocumented immigrants are completely protected from deportation. This is a dangerous misconception that could put people at risk.
What Sanctuary Policies Actually Do
According to the American Immigration Council, sanctuary policies limit—but don’t eliminate—local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These policies typically mean:
- Local police don’t ask about immigration status during routine interactions
- Cities won’t honor ICE detainer requests without a judicial warrant
- Local resources aren’t used for immigration enforcement
- Access to city services without immigration screening
Critical to understand: Sanctuary policies do not shield anyone from federal immigration authorities. ICE can and does operate in sanctuary cities. Local governments have no legal obligation to help ICE, but they also cannot prevent federal agents from enforcing immigration law.
Major Sanctuary Cities in 2025
Despite federal pressure, over 150 cities, counties, and states maintain some form of sanctuary policy. Major cities include:
- California: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego (statewide sanctuary protections)
- New York: New York City, Rochester (though NYC Mayor Adams proposed weakening protections in 2025)
- Illinois: Chicago (strengthened protections for minors and municipal service users in 2025)
- Washington: Seattle, King County
- Massachusetts: Boston, Somerville, Chelsea
- Colorado: Denver
- Oregon: Portland
However, entire states have banned sanctuary policies, including Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, and others.
The Reality of Living in Sanctuary Cities
Research from the National Immigration Law Center shows sanctuary policies correlate with higher median household incomes, less poverty, and lower crime rates. These policies help immigrant women report crimes, access healthcare, and enroll children in school without fear.
But sanctuary status is not immunity. Federal agents arrested people in sanctuary cities throughout 2025. The protection is limited to local police not actively assisting ICE—it doesn’t create a force field against federal enforcement.
Clearing Up Misconceptions: Tortola and the British Virgin Islands
You may have heard rumors about Tortola or the British Virgin Islands offering special immigration protections. This is false and potentially dangerous misinformation.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI), including Tortola, is a British Overseas Territory—not part of the United States. According to UK government guidance:
- US citizens can visit for up to 30 days without a visa
- Extensions up to 6 months may be granted
- The BVI is not part of the UN Refugee Convention
- There are no special asylum or refugee programs
- It operates a separate immigration system from the US
Traveling to Tortola does not provide legal protection from US immigration enforcement. If you overstay or work illegally in the BVI, you could face deportation from there as well. Do not rely on internet rumors about Caribbean islands offering “safe haven” status.
Legal Options That Actually Exist
While the situation is challenging, legal pathways and protections still exist. The key is understanding what’s available and seeking proper legal counsel immediately.
Asylum
Asylum remains available for those who can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group (which includes victims of domestic violence and LGBTQ+ individuals).
However, the Trump administration declared a migrant “invasion” and instructed judges to dismiss pending asylum cases at ICE’s request. If you’re considering asylum, work with an attorney immediately—timelines and procedures have become more complex.
Family-Based Immigration
If you have immediate family members who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents, family-based immigration petitions may be available. These include:
- Spouse, parent, or child of a US citizen
- Certain family members of green card holders
- Special provisions for victims of domestic violence (VAWA self-petitions)
Special Programs for Women
U Visa: Available for victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. This is particularly important for women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act): Allows victims of domestic violence to self-petition for immigration status without the abuser’s knowledge or cooperation.
T Visa: For victims of human trafficking.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Some countries have TPS designation, though the Trump administration has moved to terminate several TPS programs. Check the current status for your country of origin.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you’re concerned about your immigration status or facing potential deportation, take these steps immediately:
1. Consult an Immigration Attorney
This is not optional—it’s essential. Immigration law is complex and changes rapidly. An attorney can assess your specific situation and identify options you may not know exist.
Free and low-cost legal help:
- Immigration Advocates Network Legal Directory
- Local legal aid societies
- Law school immigration clinics
- Organizations like RAICES, CLINIC, and local immigrant rights groups
2. Know Your Rights
You have constitutional rights regardless of immigration status:
- Right to remain silent (don’t answer questions about where you were born or how you entered)
- Right to refuse entry to your home without a judicial warrant
- Right to speak with an attorney before signing anything
- Right not to show documents unless at an airport or border crossing
Essential Rights Resources
- National Immigration Law Center – “Know Your Rights” materials in multiple languages
- ACLU Immigrants’ Rights
- Informed Immigrant – Text alerts about raids and enforcement
3. Create a Safety Plan
Prepare for the possibility of detention:
- Designate a trusted person to care for your children
- Keep important documents in a safe, accessible place
- Memorize attorney phone numbers (they may confiscate your phone)
- Have an emergency contact plan
- Keep copies of any immigration paperwork
4. Document Everything
Keep records of:
- How long you’ve been in the US (utility bills, school records, medical records)
- Family ties to US citizens or residents
- Community involvement
- Employment history
- Any immigration applications or proceedings
5. Stay Informed but Avoid Panic
Immigration policy changes rapidly. Follow reputable sources:
- Migration Policy Institute
- American Immigration Council
- Local immigrant rights organizations
- Trusted immigration attorneys
Avoid: Social media rumors, unverified claims about “safe” locations, and anyone charging money for guaranteed results.
Special Considerations for Women
Women face unique challenges in immigration enforcement:
Family Separation
Women are being separated from US citizen children during deportations. One mother gave birth to her daughter in the US but was deported without the child. Legal advocates emphasize the importance of establishing custody plans and understanding parental rights.
Workplace Exploitation
Fear of deportation makes undocumented women vulnerable to workplace exploitation. You have labor rights regardless of immigration status, including minimum wage, safe working conditions, and protection from sexual harassment.
Domestic Violence
Abusers often threaten to report immigrant partners to ICE. VAWA self-petitions exist specifically to protect victims. Domestic violence organizations can connect you with immigration attorneys who understand both issues.
Healthcare Access
Many women avoid seeking medical care due to immigration fears. Most healthcare facilities are not immigration enforcement zones, and emergency care cannot be denied based on immigration status. Prenatal care, emergency services, and community health clinics remain accessible.
For US Citizens: Supporting Immigrant Women in Your Community
If you’re a US citizen wanting to help immigrant women in your community:
- Educate yourself about sanctuary policies and immigrant rights
- Support legal aid organizations financially if possible
- Volunteer with immigrant rights groups
- Offer practical support – childcare, transportation to legal appointments, translation
- Be a character witness if someone you know faces deportation proceedings
- Advocate for humane immigration policies with your representatives
- Create safe spaces where immigrant women can access information without fear
The immigration enforcement landscape in 2026 is more dangerous and unpredictable than it has been in decades. The protections many immigrant women relied on have been eliminated or weakened. There are no “safe” cities that guarantee protection from federal enforcement, and internet rumors about Caribbean islands offering refuge are false and dangerous.
However, legal options still exist. Immigration law is complex, constantly changing, and highly individual. What works for one person may not work for another. The single most important thing you can do is consult with a qualified immigration attorney about your specific situation as soon as possible.
For professional women navigating these challenges while building careers, supporting families, and contributing to communities—your presence matters, your rights exist, and help is available. Don’t face this alone.
Emergency Resources
If you or someone you know has been detained:
- ICE Detainee Locator: locator.ice.gov
- Immigration Legal Help Line: 1-844-344-6457 (24/7)
- RAICES: raicestexas.org
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (immigration-informed advocates)
*Name changed to protect privacy
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex, varies by individual circumstance, and changes frequently. Every immigration case is unique. Do not make legal decisions based on this article alone. Always consult with a qualified, licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation before taking any action. The information provided here reflects policies as of January 2026 and may change. We are not responsible for any actions taken or not taken based on information in this article. If you are facing deportation or have questions about your immigration status, seek legal counsel immediately.
