Various media outlets have been reporting on the drafts of
two proposed executive orders
that Trump is considering issuing in coming weeks that address social
services and work visas. Of particular concern to immigration advocates
is the draft order concerning immigrant access to different types of social
services while in the U.S. Under existing immigration laws, the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) has the discretion to bar immigrants from entering
the U.S. or from becoming permanent residents if there is evidence that
they will become “public charges.” Currently, DHS officials
look at an immigrant’s receipt of cash benefits such as Temporary
Aid for Needy Families (TANF), rather than at in-kind benefits, such as
Medicaid. The new policy on this issue, however, would be quite different.
The current draft of the executive order would result in a DHS rule barring
any immigrant being admitted to the U.S. if he or she is likely to get
any benefit that is based on income, resources, or financial need. Under
this policy, if an immigrant legally in the country on a valid visa receives
any of these benefits, DHS could deport him or her. Furthermore, under
a rarely-used provision of existing immigration law, any person who sponsored
the immigrant in entering the U.S. would be required to reimburse the
federal government for the costs of any benefits used by the immigrant.
As a result, the draft policy would not only punish legal immigrants and
their families, but their U.S. citizen relatives, as well. While access
to social services is an important tool for immigrants, the greater fear
often is detention and eventual deportation. When a loved one is detained
by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it may feel like all is lost,
especially if the detention lasts for any length of time. Seeking the
assistance of an experienced California immigration attorney who can assist
you in fighting deportation can be essential to your ability to remain
in or eventually return to the U.S. At
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we are here to fight for your right to legally remain in the United States,
but we are also here to help you consider all of the options that are
available to you.
Call us today
at (510) 756-4468, set up a time to meet with our deportation defense
lawyers, and see what we can do for you.
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If you want to know more about the Biden's Proposed Immigration Reform, watch our video!