Deportation Fears Cast Shadow Over Economic Life in Queens

In Queens, the economic impact of deportation fears is starkly felt, particularly in immigrant communities. Barbershop owner Roberto Duran finds himself staring at an empty chair as customers stay away, while restaurant manager Luis Sarmiento struggles to fill tables during typically bustling lunch hours. These business owners, from various immigrant backgrounds, have reported sales declines between 30% and 50% since the start of increased immigration rhetoric under Trump’s presidency, directly linking their struggles to the mounting anxiety surrounding deportation actions.

As whispers of impending immigration enforcement spread, local residents adapt by minimising their outings and avoiding certain neighbourhood hotspots, which were once lively and welcoming. Notably, a report from David Kallick highlights that even the expectation of mass deportations can fuel a substantial decrease in local economic activity, leading to increased fears and reduced community cohesion. This anxiety is echoed across other immigrant-rich areas like Jackson Heights and throughout Brooklyn, where Latino businesses likewise suffer from such pervasive worries.

Residents in Corona, home to a large population of immigrants, report firsthand encounters with ICE officers, which fuels a sense of paranoia. Despite unclear confirmation of heightened enforcement, local businesses, particularly those owned by South Asians, indicate that these fears have resulted in steep sales declines, posing a drag on other non-Latino establishments too. Increased visibility of ICE and vague hints of enforcement actions stoke fears, despite the statistical ambiguity regarding actual arrests in the area.

Seasonal trends coupled with harsh winter weather may also contribute to the economic downturn, but business owners express that the current slump eclipses previous winters. Bakery manager Reynaldo Carvajal highlights that his shop’s sales have plummeted to almost a third lower than the year before. With fewer street vendors setting up shop, a noticeable absence of colourful stalls along popular avenues intensifies the empty streets’ forlorn atmosphere, leaving food lovers missing their favourite vendors’ delicacies.

Fear surrounding enforcement measures not only hampers customer turnout but also strains workforce availability, with employees even those legally permitted to work calling in more frequently out of fear of deportation. Immigrant workers like Andrea, without legal status, face the constant fear of being caught but choose to persevere, risking their livelihood to meet essential daily expenses. In this vibrant yet vulnerable neighbourhood, the price of fear is paid not just in currency but in community spirit and cohesion.

In Queens, deportation fears are hitting local businesses hard, with sales plunging by up to 50% in immigrant-run establishments. Shoppers are avoiding stores amid heightened anxiety regarding immigration enforcement, which has been exacerbated by President Trump’s rhetoric. While contributing factors like seasonal downturns and bad weather exist, the dominance of fears surrounding deportation overwhelms traditional cyclical business changes, threatening the livelihoods and communal spirit of this predominantly immigrant neighbourhood.

The economic landscape of Queens is suffering as fears surrounding deportation escalate within immigrant communities. Businesses report significant losses while residents alter their behaviour in response to threats of enforcement. Despite separate causes for concern, a common thread links the struggles of business owners—widespread apprehension is undermining both local commerce and community bonds. Without addressing these fears, the vibrancy that immigrants bring could continue to diminish, leaving areas like Corona stripped of their rich cultural tapestry.

Original Source: gothamist.com

About Lila Chaudhury

Lila Chaudhury is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in international reporting. Born and raised in Mumbai, she obtained her degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi. Her career began at a local newspaper where she quickly developed a reputation for her incisive analysis and compelling storytelling. Lila has worked with various global news organizations and has reported from conflict zones and emerging democracies, earning accolades for her brave coverage and dedication to truth.

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