A
recent Boston Globe article
highlighted the common practice in the Boston immigration court, as well
as in some other immigration courts across the country, of shackling immigrants
in chains while they are attending their court hearings. While some of
the immigrants do have criminal records, many do not, which makes the
practice all the more disturbing, particularly when the proceedings are
occurring in civil court rather than criminal court. Although critics
claim the shackling is treating immigrants more harshly than individuals
accused of crimes in the American criminal justice system, some claim
that shackling immigrants is necessary to protect the public from potential
harm. For instance, in the Boston immigration courts, there are no bailiffs
present to protect the judges. Shacking detainees makes it impossible
to take notes, sit comfortably, or move the slightest bit, let alone try
to defend themselves against permanent removal from the country. Testifying
while in chains makes it all the more difficult to convince an immigration
judge of the gravity of the detainee’s situation. A lawsuit in San
Francisco led to the curtailed usage of shackles in San Francisco’s
immigration court; however, the unintended consequence has been the increased
use of videoconferences for immigration courts, which also can hinder
a detainee’s ability to testify in a convincing manner that will
truly convey the emotions and fear involved in his or her case. If you
or your family member is detained on removal charges, you undoubtedly
are frightened at the prospect of removal and the separation of your family
by the borders of different countries. Especially for those individuals
who have lived in the United States for a lengthy period of time and built
a life with your family, the possibility of removal is absolutely horrifying.
The first step, however, is to figure out whether you can be released
from detention pending deportation, which is easiest if you have the help
of an experienced immigration attorney. Our goal at
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., is to avoid your removal, or the removal of your family member, by mounting
a strong legal defense. Call us today at (510) 756-4468 or contact us
online in order to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled and
experienced deportation defense attorneys.
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As of February 2021, we are open again and accepting in-office consultations.
If you want to know more about the Biden's Proposed Immigration Reform, watch our video!