As we have repeatedly mentioned in recent blog posts, it appears that prior
immigration enforcement policies put into place during the Obama administration
are no longer in effect. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
increasingly are leaving no stone unturned in order to arrest as many
undocumented immigrants as possible, with no regard to their personal
and family situations, or their whereabouts. As a result, ICE agents have
made arrests as parents take their U.S.-born children to school, attend
church services, and appear for unrelated court hearings or immigration
appointments. As many undocumented parents fear leaving their U.S. citizen
children behind, we strongly encourage these parents to make plans for
their children in case of an unexpected deportation. First, you should
be sure to update your child’s emergency contact list with his or
her school. In addition to parents and guardians, a student’s list
should contain multiple emergency contacts, including back-up contacts,
in the event that parents or guardians are detained. Many school districts
are receiving policy guidance on how to handle situations where they suspect
that a parent has been detained, as well as their expected level of interaction
with ICE agents should they appear at the school. Aside from updating
the school contact list for each student, families should make a family
plan that gives specific instructions to each family member if deportation
of a parent or student were to occur. The plan should cover as many different
situations as possible, particularly when there are American-born children
who may be left behind. Families also should take steps to gather all
of the necessary documents needed in case of an unexpected deportation.
These documents include original copies of birth certificates, passports,
and matricula consular cards. Having these documents handy can help in
an emergency situation. All members of the family should know their rights
when it comes to immigration enforcement. Children and parents alike should
know that if ICE agents knock at their door, they have no obligation to
even answer the door. They also do not have to answer questions, even
through the door, or disclose their immigration status. If an individual
is detained, he or she has the right to speak with their nearest consulate.
Parents should register their U.S.-born children as citizens in their
home countries, just in case the parents are deported and they do not
wish to leave their children behind. Finally, parents should speak to
an experienced immigration lawyer about any path to citizenship or legal
status that they might have, which could help them avoid the deportation
process altogether. The deportation defense lawyers of
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.
have handled countless deportation defense claims on behalf of individuals
who have been detained and charged with removal. We know how devastating
it can be for individuals to face potentially being forced to return to
a country where they previously were persecuted, where they no longer
have family or a home, or where they will experience significant violence
and unrest. We care about you and your family, we want to help you remain
in the country, and we are here to help you learn how to make a better
life for yourself in the United States. Call our office today to set up
your legal consultation.
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