by Grace Kruis ’27
The views expressed in this article reflect the opinions of the author and not of Vanderbilt Law School or Vanderbilt University.
This spring, the Vanderbilt Social Justice Reporter had the privilege of hosting Emily Stotts and Sarah Kadel for a vibrant discussion regarding immigration under President Trump’s administration.
Stotts, Legal Director at Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, shared her experience advising fearful immigrants across Nashville. In an era plagued with uncertainty and the dramatic shift of policy norms, those at risk of deportation are forced to grapple with an impossible decision—whether to self-deport or continue a costly legal battle with no guarantee of success. This struggle is further exacerbated by the significant challenges in maintaining communication with individuals who have already been placed in detention centers across the country.
Kadel, an immigration attorney at Ogletree Deakins, explored the administration’s impacts on employment. Due to the heightened scrutiny of foreign workers’ legal status, many employers feel reluctant to hire individuals requiring sponsorship, despite existing safeguards against such discrimination. Kadel also highlighted the growing concerns of international students. In certain instances, ICE has revoked student visas without informing the university or the student, thereby placing the student at risk of sudden detainment.
Both speakers called for greater transparency and consistency, arguing that such reform would simplify the volatile situation immigrants across the United States are now forced to navigate as well as reinforce trust in our legal processes.
