The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased their agents by 25% in an attempt to locate and deport immigrants with criminal convictions. Whether a lawful permanent resident, a visa holder, or an entry without inspection, ICE is looking for any non-U.S. citizen with a criminal record that…
Although the Dream Act has not passed in Congress, President Obama has taken the initiative to use his discretion to defer action to those who qualify under the Government’s criteria. So, those who fit the following criteria are eligible for deferred action on any deportation/removal case against them. In order…
One of the most pressing issues for an alien charged with a crime is whether he or she can get out of custody during the pendency of the criminal and deportation case. Surprisingly, judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys that ordinarily practice in criminal courts often misunderstand the bonding issues as…
The United States Supreme Court has granted certiorari in the case of Chaidez vs. United States. The U.S.. Supreme Court will determine whether an immigrant, who pled guilty or no contest to a criminal charge more than two years ago can go back and attack the previous conviction based on…
On March 29th, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security designated Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Syrian nationals that have been continuously residing in and physically present in the United States since March 29th, 2012 are eligible to apply for TPS. The registration period for TPS is from March 29th,…
The immigration court has suspended its cases in Orlando, as well as Seattle, New Orleans, and Detroit, as part of a pilot program to attempt to identify immigrants who pose a public safety risk and national security risk. This means that those immigrants in removal proceedings who ICE (Immigration and…
A Florida high school student who has excelled in school, becoming the class valedictorian, was able to delay her removal from the country for two years. Unfortunately, she is no closer to gaining lawful status. Daniela Pelaez committed the unthinkable crime when she was brought here by her parents as…
It is not a new concept that people from all around the world want to come live and work in the United States. However, a person cannot simply come to our door, knock, and gain entry. Instead, the immigrant must have a sponsor, either an employer or family member, or…
The Georgia Bulldogs learned first hand how tough immigration policies can lead to individual negative experience. Talented football recruit, Chester Brown, was heavily recruited to Georgia from his high school in Hinesville, Georgia. Chester was born in Samoa and brought to the United States by his family when he was…
An American citizen child was recently deported to Columbia because there was nothing to indicate that she wasn’t Columbian. Fifteen year old Jakadrien Turner was born in Texas. She doesn’t speak Spanish. She and her family have no ties to Columbia. Yet, this little girl was physically deported from her…