Immigrants in Columbus: Arrival Stories and Trump-Era Removal Policies

Columbus has become a standout city in the Midwest, known for its rapid growth and diverse community. Much of this change is due to immigration, which has shaped the city’s culture, economy, and future. At the same time, federal immigration policies—especially those from President Trump’s administration—have created new challenges for immigrants living in Columbus. To help readers understand their options and make informed decisions, this comparison will look at two main aspects: the pathways immigrants use to arrive and settle in Columbus, and the impact of Trump-era immigration enforcement policies. By examining requirements, timelines, costs, pros and cons, and offering recommendations, this guide aims to support immigrants, families, and advocates in Columbus.

Comparing Immigration Pathways to Columbus

Immigrants come to Columbus through several legal routes, each with its own steps, requirements, and challenges. The most common pathways include:

• Family Reunification
• Employment-Based Visas
• Refugee Resettlement
• Asylum Claims

Let’s look at each option side by side, focusing on what’s involved, how long it takes, and what it costs.

Family Reunification

Requirements:
– A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) must sponsor a family member.
– The sponsor must show enough income to support the family member.
– The family member must pass background and health checks.

Timeline:
– Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens): Usually 12-18 months.
– Other family categories (siblings, adult children): Wait times can range from several years to over a decade, depending on the country of origin and visa category.

Costs:
– Filing fees: For example, Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) costs $535. Additional fees apply for green card applications and medical exams.
– Legal help: Optional, but can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

Pros:
– Keeps families together.
– Well-established process with clear steps.
– Some categories have shorter wait times.

Cons:
– Long waits for some family members, especially from high-demand countries.
– Paperwork can be confusing without legal help.
– Any changes in federal policy can slow down or complicate the process.

Best for: Immigrants with close family ties in the United States 🇺🇸 who can wait for the process to finish.

Employment-Based Visas

Requirements:
– A U.S. employer must offer a job and sponsor the immigrant.
– The job must fit a specific visa category (like H-1B for skilled workers, or EB-2/EB-3 for permanent residency).
– The employer often needs to show that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the job.

Timeline:
– Temporary work visas (like H-1B): 6-12 months, but subject to annual caps and lotteries.
– Employment-based green cards: 1-3 years for some categories, but can be much longer for others, especially for applicants from countries with high demand.

Costs:
– Filing fees: For example, Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) costs $700. Employers often pay additional fees for labor certification and visa processing.
– Legal help: Often paid by the employer, but can add thousands of dollars.

Pros:
– Pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.
– Can bring economic benefits to both immigrants and the local community.
– Some categories allow family members to come as dependents.

Cons:
– Highly competitive, especially for popular visas like H-1B.
– Strict requirements and paperwork.
– Job loss can threaten visa status.

Best for: Skilled workers, professionals, and employers in Columbus looking to fill specialized roles.

Refugee Resettlement

Requirements:
– Must be referred by the United Nations or a U.S. embassy as a refugee.
– Must pass security, background, and medical checks.
– Must show a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular group.

Timeline:
– The process can take 18-36 months or longer, depending on security checks and available spots.

Costs:
– No filing fees for refugees.
– Resettlement agencies help with travel and initial expenses.

Pros:
– Offers safety and a fresh start for people fleeing danger.
– Access to support services in Columbus, such as US Together and Welcoming City.
– Pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

Cons:
– Long waits and uncertainty.
– Limited number of spots each year.
– Adjustment to a new culture and language can be difficult.

Best for: People fleeing war, violence, or persecution who need protection and support.

Asylum Claims

Requirements:
– Must be physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 or at a port of entry.
– Must apply within one year of arrival.
– Must show a credible fear of persecution in home country.

Timeline:
– Initial interview or hearing: Can take months to years due to court backlogs.
– Final decision: Often delayed for years, especially with the current backlog.

Costs:
– No filing fee for Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal).
– Legal help is highly recommended but not provided by the government; costs can range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Pros:
– Protection from being sent back to danger.
– Work authorization possible after 180 days.
– Pathway to permanent residency after one year if granted asylum.

Cons:
– Long waits due to court backlog.
– No government-provided lawyer.
– High denial rates for some nationalities.

Best for: People already in the United States 🇺🇸 who fear returning to their home country.

Comparing the Impact of Trump-Era Immigration Enforcement Policies

While Columbus has worked hard to welcome immigrants, federal enforcement policies—especially those from President Trump’s administration—have created new barriers. These policies have changed how quickly and safely immigrants can move through the system, and have affected the daily lives of many in Columbus.

Immigration Court Backlog and Judge Firings

Key Facts:
– As of mid-2025, there are about 3.5 million cases waiting in immigration courts across the United States 🇺🇸.
– Columbus immigrants are affected by these delays, often waiting years for their cases to be heard.
– Since President Trump’s administration, 103 immigration judges have been fired or left, including 17 in 2025 alone. This has made the backlog even worse.

Pros:
– Some argue that stricter enforcement keeps the system orderly and deters illegal entry.

Cons:
– Long waits for hearings mean families live in uncertainty.
– Many immigrants must represent themselves in court, as the government does not provide lawyers.
– Vulnerable groups, like asylum seekers and refugees, are especially at risk.

Best for: These policies mainly affect those already in the system, rather than offering a “best” option.

Legislative and Budgetary Changes

Key Facts:
– Congress has set aside $170 billion for immigration enforcement, with $3.3 billion to expand immigration courts and hire more judges.
– Despite this, judge firings and slow hiring mean backlogs remain high.

Pros:
– More funding could eventually speed up case processing.

Cons:
– The benefits are not being felt yet due to slow hiring and ongoing judge firings.
– Immigrants in Columbus still face long waits and uncertainty.

Local Support Initiatives in Columbus

While federal policies have made things harder, Columbus has taken steps to help immigrants feel welcome and supported.

Strategic Welcoming Plan (2022-2025):
– Aims to reduce barriers and help immigrants and refugees settle in Columbus.
– Involves local government, businesses, nonprofits, and community members.
– Offers support with jobs, language learning, and legal help.

Community Organizations:
– Groups like US Together and Welcoming City help with resettlement, legal aid, and social services.

Pros:
– Helps immigrants adjust and thrive in Columbus.
– Provides a safety net for those facing federal enforcement challenges.

Cons:
– Local support cannot fix federal delays or court backlogs.
– Funding and resources are limited compared to the scale of the problem.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

• If you have close family in the United States 🇺🇸: Family reunification is usually the best path, but be prepared for long waits if you are not an immediate relative.
• If you are a skilled worker or employer: Employment-based visas offer a strong path, but start early and be ready for competition.
• If you are fleeing danger: Refugee resettlement or asylum may be your only options. Seek help from local organizations and legal aid.
• If you are already in Columbus and facing removal: Connect with local support groups and legal aid as soon as possible. The court backlog means your case may take years, but you have time to prepare.
• If you are worried about Trump-era enforcement: Stay informed about your rights, keep your documents up to date, and seek legal advice if you receive any notices or have questions.

Decision-Making Framework

To decide which path is best for you or your family, consider these steps:

1. Assess Your Situation:
   • Are you already in the United States 🇺🇸 or still abroad?
   • Do you have family or a job offer in Columbus?
   • Are you fleeing danger or persecution?
2. Check Eligibility:
   • Review the requirements for each pathway.
   • Use the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to find up-to-date information and forms.
3. Estimate Timeline and Costs:
   • Consider how long you can wait and what you can afford.
   • Factor in legal help if needed.
4. Seek Local Support:
   • Contact Columbus City Council’s immigrant support office or local nonprofits for help with paperwork, language, and integration.
5. Stay Informed:
   • Policies can change quickly, especially with shifts in federal leadership. Check trusted sources like VisaVerge.com for updates and analysis.

1. Prepare for Delays:
   • With the current backlog, expect long waits. Use this time to gather documents, learn English, and build community connections.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• For forms and official instructions: Always use the latest versions from the USCIS Forms page. For example, Form I-130 for family petitions or Form I-589 for asylum.
• Legal help: If you cannot afford a lawyer, look for free or low-cost legal aid in Columbus. Many nonprofits offer help with immigration paperwork and court cases.
• Community support: Join local groups or attend events for immigrants and refugees. These networks can offer friendship, advice, and practical help.
• Stay organized: Keep copies of all documents, notices, and receipts. Write down important dates and deadlines.
• Know your rights: Even if you are facing removal, you have the right to a hearing and to seek legal help.

Conclusion

Columbus stands out as a city shaped by immigration, with a growing and diverse population. The city’s welcoming policies and local support make it a good place for immigrants to build new lives. However, federal enforcement policies—especially those from President Trump’s administration—have created new challenges, including long court delays and uncertainty for many families.

By understanding the different pathways to Columbus, the impact of recent policies, and the resources available, immigrants and their supporters can make better choices. Whether you are reuniting with family, seeking work, or fleeing danger, Columbus offers hope and opportunity—but it is important to plan carefully, seek help, and stay informed.

For more details, visit the USCIS official website for forms and instructions, or contact the Columbus City Council’s immigrant support office for local guidance. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying connected to trusted sources and local support can make all the difference in your immigration journey.

Learn Today

Family Reunification → A legal immigration route enabling U.S. citizens or green card holders to sponsor relatives for residency.
Employment-Based Visas → Visas issued to immigrants sponsored by U.S. employers to fill specialized or skilled jobs.
Refugee Resettlement → A formal process where refugees are referred and resettled with aid in new communities.
Asylum Claims → Requests for protection by immigrants fearing persecution, requiring presence in the U.S. or port of entry.
Immigration Court Backlog → The large number of pending immigration cases causing long delays in hearings and decisions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Columbus thrives as a diverse city shaped by immigration. Despite Trump-era federal policy challenges, local support fosters immigrant integration, offering pathways and resources that empower arrivals amid ongoing enforcement and court delays.
— By VisaVerge.com