Speakers at a seminar jointly organized by Prothom Alo North America and Bengal Club of Atlantic City said that no new immigration law has been enacted so far under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Instead, they noted that the administration has focused on enforcing existing immigration laws and regulations more strictly, particularly provisions that had previously been applied inconsistently.
The comments were made during a seminar and discussion event held on May 12 at the Bengal Club auditorium along the Atlantic coast in Atlantic City. Topics discussed included immigration and public charge policies, Bangla-language media and community development, and tourism between the United States and Bangladesh.
Speakers explained that immigration laws are designed not only to assess legal eligibility for entering a new country but also to evaluate whether immigrants are economically prepared to adapt to life in the United States. They said policymakers have long considered the broader social and financial realities immigrants may face after arrival.
The panelists also emphasized that the United States continues to receive more immigrants than any other country in the world, making immigration a politically sensitive and administratively complex issue. They noted that immigration policy has frequently been used for political purposes, while immigration professionals and immigrant rights advocates have consistently raised concerns about fairness and implementation.
The speakers stressed the importance of legal awareness and civic education for immigrants. They said newly arrived immigrants must understand not only immigration laws but also broader U.S. civic and legal systems, as lack of awareness can unintentionally create serious problems. According to the panelists, Bangladeshi community organizations in the United States can play a significant role in educating immigrants about these issues.
During discussions on Bangla-language media, participants highlighted the important role Bangla newspapers and media outlets have played in the growth and development of Bangladeshi communities across North America. Speakers argued that the time has come for the Bangladeshi state to formally recognize the contributions of Bangla media abroad in strengthening diaspora communities.
They described Bangla-language media as one of the strongest symbols of unity, solidarity, and progress among Bangladeshis living overseas and urged community members to continue supporting these media organizations.
Speaking from the tourism-centered city of Atlantic City, panelists also encouraged Bangladeshi expatriates to play a more active role in strengthening tourism and cultural exchanges between the United States and Bangladesh. They said expatriates can serve as important cultural and economic bridges between the two nations.
Guests and participants were welcomed by Ibrahim Chowdhury Khokon and Ali Chowdhury Tannu.
Among those who addressed the seminar were veteran journalist and Weekly Porichoy editor Nazmul Ahsan, Prothom Alo North America Executive Editor Monjurul Haque, writer and journalist Shelly Zaman Khan, journalist Subrata Chowdhury, and leaders of the Atlantic City Bangladesh Press Club, including President Akbar Hossain and Secretary Mohammad Shahin, along with many other community members, journalists, writers, and activists.
