Which of the following statements best represents a consequence of the Priority Enforcement Program?

The Priority Enforcement Program (PEP) was designed to focus immigration enforcement efforts on individuals who pose a threat to public safety or have committed serious crimes, rather than on non-criminal immigrants. The intention behind this program was to build trust within communities, particularly among non-criminal immigrants who might otherwise fear contacting law enforcement due to concerns about deportation.

By concentrating enforcement resources on those who are deemed priority targets for removal, this program aimed to reduce the apprehension felt by non-criminal immigrants when engaging with law enforcement. This can lead to a perception of safety and a willingness to cooperate with local authorities, which in turn fosters community engagement and security. Consequently, the correct choice highlights a potential outcome of the program — a reduction in fear among non-criminal immigrants, allowing them to interact with law enforcement and community services without the looming fear of deportation.