Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York is preparing for a possible change in policy toward migrants in the area and potential action against them during the early days of the new presidential administration.

“Catholic Charities is very concerned about the toll the current environment is taking on immigrants in New York and elsewhere. Many are fearful of proposed policies around deportation and family separation. In addition, unacceptable derogatory rhetoric is having very negative spillover effects,” Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities in New York, told The Good Newsroom by email on Friday

“In response, Catholic Charities has prepared and is distributing relevant information to Catholic parishes, schools, healthcare, and charity agencies about resources and assistance available. Through Zoom webinars and phone banks over the next few weeks, further information and assistance will be available. In addition, Catholic Charities is partnering with other New York legal services providers to ensure that immigrants at risk will be able to access needed help,” Monsignor Sullivan said.

President-elect Donald Trump has signaled his administration’s intent to begin large-scale deportations, a move that many fear will lead to widespread family separations and heightened anxiety within immigrant communities.

According to Faith in Action, four out of five undocumented people in the U.S. have been in the country for more than 15 years, with nearly 9 million people deeply rooted and invested in their communities. In response, religious leaders from across the country vowed to defend human dignity and stand in solidarity with immigrants.

–OSV News contributed to this report.