Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stated that the team will assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and collaborate with the Ministry of Immigration and Correction to ensure the protection of Indonesian citizens.
"We need to anticipate this political decision by US President Donald Trump because it is possible that some of our citizens may be affected," Pigai noted in the ministry's written statement received here on Friday.
Pigai highlighted that several Indonesian nationals residing in the U.S. are facing unresolved immigration challenges.
During the 2024 U.S. presidential election campaign, Pigai’s team received information indicating that several Indonesian citizens, especially those dealing with immigration document issues, were increasingly anxious.
“For instance, some individuals might have settled in the U.S. using tourist visas or applied for political asylum with falsified documents. Such cases involve our citizens as well,” he explained.
As a preventive measure, the Ministry of Human Rights has formed a special team under the Directorate General of Services and Compliance, known as the Citizen Protection Team, to address potential mass deportations.
Donald Trump officially became the 47th President of the United States after taking the oath of office at 12:02 p.m. local time at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., on Monday (January 20).
The mass deportation of undocumented immigrants has been a primary focus of his election campaign.
Trump plans to implement a mass deportation strategy targeting immigrants who have entered the U.S. illegally. This could include declaring a state of emergency and deploying military resources.
A day before his inauguration, on Sunday (January 19), Trump told thousands of supporters that he would tighten immigration regulations starting from his first day in office.
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Translator: Fath M, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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