03/21/2017
TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION LAWS - THE FICTION AND THE TRUTH
1. You will not be suddenly arrested and deported. Fears of expedited removal without any right to a hearing are unfounded. Virtually all immigrants in this country, legal or not have constitutional rights. This means a right to a fair hearing before being deported and a right to have legal representation. If you are suddenly arrested, you will have access to a phone and in almost all cases the right to a court hearing.
There are many defenses to deportation such as political asylum, adjustment of status or cancellation of removal for those who have resided here for a long time. If you have already been ordered deported but have ignored the order, promptly seek the advice of an immigration attorney.
Most immigrants arrested have the right to release on bond and cannot be held for long periods of time. If you wish to remain in the U.S. and defend your case, do not sign any offered waivers of your rights or agree to leave the U.S. voluntarily.
2. News of mass arrests and deportations are false. Word of mass arrests and deportations have spread across the country like wildfire but in reality the large scale arrests most feared have not taken place. At this point the government is concentrating on deporting criminals, those who have committed fraud, those who are caught at the border, and those whose applications such as political asylum have been denied.
Protect yourself by not committing crimes. Be careful not to drink and drive, commit battery, spousal abuse, solicitation, commit drug crimes or engage in fraud and your chances of being deported are dramatically reduced.
Do not file frivolous, fraudulent or poorly prepared applications with USCIS. Often times if an application for an immigration benefit, such as political asylum, adjustment of status, or a petition to remove conditional residence is denied, the USCIS will start removal proceedings. Make sure your application meets all the USCIS requirements or better yet let an experienced immigration attorney review your application before it is filed.
3. Immigration benefits are not now harder to obtain. Although Trump promised to crack down on illegal immigration, this policy does not affect most applications for immigration benefits such as adjustment of status, nonimmigrant visas, family petitions or employment based petitions. The same laws, guidelines and policies remain from the Obama administration.
4. Don’t become illegal in the first place. Look into ways to obtain a student visa, a working visa, or permanent residence. You may be qualified now to file. We offer free consultation for those persons seeking guidance on how to obtain permanent residence or to legalize their status.
5. Become an American. Now is a great time to file for naturalization. If you as an immigrant fear deportation, file your application for U.S. citizenship. The process is easy, fast and memorable.
American citizens are immune to any changes in the U.S. immigration laws plus as a naturalized American you can never be deported, you can petition many relatives for immigration benefits, you can travel more freely and you can vote.
