THE PLIGHT FACING IMMIGRANTS 3
the communities. Therefore, the policies must be followed strictly, to ensure the safety of the
citizens and that of the immigrants too. According to Haidar (2017), the NASW position statement
on immigrants was given back in 2015, and it stated that the immigration policies limit the social
worker’s capacity to assist their clients. NASW noted that the policies were a bit hostile due to the
limited family visitation and reunification. They added that immigration guidelines contested
social work when family offenses become the reason for deportation. This issue made immigrants
fail to report their arrival, in fear of deportation back to the harsh home countries (Reisch & Garvin,
2016).
Back in January 2017, the NASW stood firm to oppose the president’s executive order
against Muslim immigrants. President Trump had claimed that the order was for the protection of
Americans against possible terrorist groups most associated with the Muslim religion. However.
NASW said that the order was inhumane and insensitive. Therefore, they were seeking to have it
changed, so that afflicted persons from different parts of the world may feel welcomed into
America, despite their religion (NASW, 2017).
The order required the government to review the practicability of suspending Visa
Interview Waiver Program, which allowed travelers from 38 different countries to renew travel
authorizations without face-face interviews (NASW, 2017). The order also prevented individuals
from dominant Muslim nations from visiting the US. In his view, Trump was thinking about the
safety of his people, which would always be his priority. However, the order had not considered
the refugees and immigrants, who in most cases had nowhere else to go. Therefore, NASW was
upholding the moral responsibility of United States in taking care of the oppressed people. This is
under the humanitarian acts of the US.