How Trump’s immigration plans could impact Hawaii | Local

HONOLULU (Island News) — President Trump has made immigration a key priority of his administration.

In Hawaii, nearly 20% of the population are immigrants.

We take a look at how proposed changes could impact the islands.

Immigration is not only a big part of Hawaii’s past, it is an important part of our present—with much needed professionals coming from other countries to work in places like hospitals as doctors and nurses.

“Professionals that are foreign born that employers want to hire and they can’t find local people to do the work—whether they are healthcare professionals, engineers,” said immigration attorney Maile Hirota.

Hirota has been busy leading up to President Trumps inauguration. She now expects to be even busier as executive orders are signed.

“All over the world, countries are emptying their prisons and mental institutions into our country. It ends at 1 p.m. today,” said President Trump on his Inauguration Day.

Trump has made illegal immigration a key issue, but during his first term he also slowed down legal immigration of professionals and those getting green cards or becoming naturalized citizens. He could do so again.

“I think we are going to see employers in Hawaii suffering because they can’t get workers here,” said Hirota.

Trump’s new executive orders do have the power to change the status of undocumented children brought to the United States by their parents, known as Dreamers. Or he could put travel restrictions on immigrants—something he did during his first term.

“Another thing the president has talked about is ending birth right citizenship and many people are scared they wouldn’t be able to keep their U.S. citizenship or fear for their spouse who is a naturalized citizen,” added Hirota.

But birth right citizenship is protected by the U.S. Constitution and efforts to change it could turn into a lengthy court battle.

When it comes to immigration in the islands, a number of people feel it has been a benefit to the state and the country.

“This country was built on immigration and the people that are coming in, the majority of them are coming to build a better future for their family,” said Honolulu resident Ernest Brezeale.

Even those who support Trump being in office—

“We need a change. The world is not doing so good, so at least now we got options,” said Waimanalo resident Lance Kaanoi.

—feel immigration has helped Hawaii become a positive place.

“We are all immigrants. We all came from someplace else and we are all human, so we gotta take care of one another,” added Kaanoi.