Asylum seeker on edge - Jamaican caught between fear and hope amid ICE crackdown in USA

Every day, Jane* wakes up with a knot in her stomach. In just a few weeks, she faces an immigration court hearing that could change her life, for better, for worse.

Two years ago, Jane left Jamaica illegally, seeking a new life in the United States. Now, she feels trapped, caught between the possibility of deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the uncertain outcome of her asylum claim.

"Bwoy, mi fearful fi go back a court, enuh, because mi just don't know what can happen," she told THE STAR. "Mi fraid but it better mi go than don't turn up."

Jane must appear in court because her asylum claim in the United States is still under review, and attendance is a legal requirement. Failing to show up could trigger a deportation order, leaving her with no chance to present her case for protection. The court hearing gives her the opportunity to provide testimony and evidence to demonstrate the danger and abuse she faced in Jamaica, which forms the basis of her claim for asylum. Without her presence, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can proceed with removal procedures, effectively ending her hopes of staying in the country legally.

"If yuh don't go, they are going to put out a deportation order for you," she said.

Her chances, she admits, are slim. "Honestly, I don't think my case will be approved because they need proof and I don't have that. It's a 50 per cent chance for me I believe. They won't come to a decision at this hearing, but I just don't know if ICE agents will be there to grab me," Jane added.

Her fears are grounded in reality. Over 600,000 immigrants have been deported since Donald Trump began his second term as president of the USA. He has vowed to tighten his country's borders and rid the country of illegal immigrants. ICE agents have intensified their efforts across various states, creating tension for wait-and-see immigrants like Jane.

"It is really scary as people hardly wants to go out to work. It's like you are walking and looking over your shoulder," she said.

The journey from Jamaica was a treacherous one. Jane, her child, and two other minor relatives left home in 2024, citing repeated violence and abuse. Their trek to the US was long, costly, and perilous. Armed with US$10,000 (approximately J$1.5 million), they first spent nearly two weeks in Panama, followed by a week in Belize, where Jane's funds began to run dangerously low. With help from Good Samaritans, they managed to travel by boat to Mexico--but not without consequences. One child fell seriously ill during the voyage. After a gruelling five-hour journey to Cancun, the family endured cold, cuts, and bruises as they navigated a yard near the US border fence before finally stepping onto American soil.

For a while, things seemed to stabilise. The children were enrolled in school, and Jane found work. But her American dream remains fragile, hanging by a thread. Since the crack down on illegal immigrants, she has seen her paycheck as a nursing aid slashed from US$800 (approximately J$125,300) per week to US$500 (approximately J$78,300) as a her employers exploit the fact that she is undocumented.

One possible path to legal status is marriage, though it comes at a steep cost.

"Mi a try get married and try sort out myself," she said.

But her approach has to be strategic.

"It's better to get married to a soldier though, as some cases yuh have to go home back, but with a army person you can get a waiver. Right now a wedding cost all US$20,000 (approximately J$3.1 million), and I haven't start saving for that as yet because what I get for my pay is just to pay rent and take care of other bills. I am going back to school so I can get certified so my salary can increase," Jane explained.

Yet, even with the dangers and sacrifices, Jane has no regrets leaving Jamaica, to the USA, through the Mexico border.

"A lot of job is here so I am seeing my way better now. When I was in Jamaica, I struggled to get jobs. I get homesick sometimes, but mi think back and say it was harder for me in Jamaica," she said.

"Mi deh here and is about two times mi really go out to enjoy myself because I don't want to come to US come live the same life like when mi did deh a Jamaica because ano dat mi come bout," she added.

* Name change to protect identity