Editor: Immigrants are the lifeblood of California. They need support now more than ever

The United States has always been a nation of immigrants. And nowhere is that truer today than in California, where first-generation immigrants make up more than one-third of the population, more than any other situation.

More than half of Californians, and 62% of LA County, are foreign-born or have at least one foreign-born parent, according to a Pew Research Center study of US Census data.

Immigrant communities are understandably afraid too fighting for the worst when Donald Trump takes office next month. Deporting immigrants is a thing very high of the president-elect's 20-point agendapromising that “1. Close the border and stop the immigration invasion” and “2. It carried out the largest deportation in American history. “

Incoming managers are responsible use the soldiers and mass detention camps to deport millions of illegal immigrants and US citizens from their families, remove temporary legal status for millions of immigrants, restore Trump's Muslim ban and end birthright citizenship. These policies and others, if followed, can tear apart families and communities and damage the economy.

With these clouds at hand, it is very important to be aware of the role that immigrants play in our communities.

Immigrants have always been the lifeblood of the nation and the source of growth, diversity and innovation. There are more than 11 million first-generation immigrants in California from all backgrounds and walks of life, from the working and middle class to the highest levels of society. That includes powerful people like LA Archbishop José Gomez, LA Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, labor leader Ada Briceño and some of the world's most influential business executives, like Google's Sundar Photos and Nvidia's Jensen Huang, all immigrants.

As the fifth largest economy in the world, California will be among the most affected by the proposed policies. People who may be swept up in mass deportation programs include teachers and coaches, child care providers and home health and long-term care workers. California farms, however, offer more than that one third of the nation's vegetables and three-quarters of its fruit and nut production, supported largely by immigrant workers — at least half of the state's farm workers are undocumented — as are many other parts of the state's economy, such as construction and labor.

Apart from the economic damage, the suffering caused to the immigrant families and their children due to the slavery laws would be immeasurable. Immigrant rights groups are now reviving many of the deportation relief programs they created during the Trump and Obama administrations, including “know your rights” workshops that help immigrants with legal answers and support. Others create programs that help parents make emergency plans for their children in case they are arrested. Others are organizing marches to rally support.

Local leaders, incl Los Angeles school board and the Los Angeles City and County Council Board of Directorshave taken steps to reaffirm sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal officials regarding immigration enforcement. Local governments have gone increased funding for legal services and makes other commitments to them protect immigrants and their families from the Trump administration's proposed plans. But they may need to do more to fight anti-immigration extremism and use their powers to protect children and families.

Everyday people can make a difference, even in small ways, by supporting immigrant rights groups, volunteering to help permanent residents apply for citizenship and calling their members of Congress to demand action to protect immigrants. They can be seen at rallies, protests and local government meetings to stand up for immigrants and their families against degrading attacks.

If the incoming administration turns their plans into reality, it will be clear to all — including those lured by the campaign promise of immigration bans — that what hurts immigrant communities will hurt everyone else. At that time, the responsibility will be on all of us to speak up and defend America's greatest vision: That this country was built by immigrants who wanted better lives and made America stronger in every way.