Over the years, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers would
use prosecutorial discretion in order to focus their efforts on deporting
convicted criminals. Many immigrants who were not considered to be deportation
priorities had to check in with ICE each year, just so ICE could keep
tabs on the immigrants. What was a very routine process for many immigrants
now has become the beginning of deportation proceedings for these individuals.
When Trump took office earlier this year, however, he immediately signed
an executive order that greatly broadened the definition of
deportable offenses. This move has affected all levels of immigration enforcement, including
those immigrants who previously had checked in with ICE only once each
year. For instance, an Arizona woman who had been checking in with ICE
annually since 2008 was deported after checking in with ICE, although
nothing in the woman’s situation had changed to merit immediate
deportation. ICE reportedly has told other immigrants checking in at other
locations that they should simply check in again next year. As a result
of this widely-publicized arrest, immigrants are fearful of what previously
was a simple check-in with ICE. They fear deportation upon check-in; therefore,
immigrant advocates are urging immigrants to get their affairs in order
prior to checking in with ICE this year, just in case they are deported.
While immigration agency officials still claim that their priority is
to deport convicted criminals, a spokeswoman for the New York agency recently
stated that all immigrants who have violated immigration laws are ultimately
subject to arrest, detention, and deportation. The deportation defense
lawyers of
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., pride themselves on aggressively representing the interests of those
immigrants who are facing potential deportation by American immigration
authorities. Our goal is to gather evidence in your favor, build on a
strong case on your behalf, and develop a strategy that is best designed
to help you remain in the United States and move on with your life. The
earlier we can get started with your case, the more likely you are to
prevail in your deportation proceedings. Don’t hesitate to contact
us today and learn what we can do to assist you.
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