Legal Blog | U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP

Noticias y Opiniones sobre Inmigración

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 21:36:54 GMT

Con la nueva administración tomando posesión, muchos en nuestras comunidades se sienten inseguros sobre las recientes acciones de inmigración, y con razón.

Aunque este boletín no constituye consejo legal, queremos compartir algunas guías generales para ayudar a las personas a prepararse y proteger sus derechos y de los demás durante estos tiempos inciertos.

Conozca nuestros derechos constitucionales.

Es esencial que todos, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, conozcan sus derechos fundamentales, que incluyen:

El derecho a permanecer en silencio
El derecho a la representación legal
El derecho a representación legal
El derecho a negarse a abrir la puerta a agentes de la ley a menos que tengan una orden judicial

Si los agentes dicen que tienen una orden para entrar en una casa o en zonas privadas de un negocio, puede preguntarles si tienen una orden judicial y pedirles una copia si dicen que sí. Si su puerta está cerrada, puede pedirles que la pasen por bajo de la puerta. En algunos casos, los agentes pueden intentar hacer pasar las órdenes administrativas por órdenes judiciales. Sepa que las órdenes judiciales deben venir de una corte.

Diferente a una orden judicial, una orden administrativa no autoriza a buscar en áreas privadas. Para identificar una orden administrativa, busque lenguaje que diga, «Departamento de Seguridad Nacional» o «Formulario I-200» o «Formulario I-205».

Conozca las prioridades de nuestro gobierno federal

En la práctica, el gobierno federal no cuenta con suficientes recursos humanos o financieros para detener y deportar a los 12-14 millones de personas que se encuentran en Estados Unidos sin documentación. Por lo tanto, es importante comprender las siguientes prioridades del gobierno federal:

Personas que han sido ACUSADAS, acusadas o condenadas por un acto criminal;
Personas que están sujetas a una orden final de deportación y nunca salieron del país;
Personas que representen un riesgo para la seguridad pública o nacional y que tengan alguna afiliación con una pandilla o una organización terrorista
Aquellos individuos que han entrado recientemente a los Estados Unidos y no deberían haber sido admitidos (incluyendo aquellos que entraron legalmente con permiso condicional)
Aquellos que han vuelto a entrar en EE. UU. sin permiso después de haber sido expulsados o deportados.

Si una persona no cae en una de estas categorías, es fundamental que utilice sus derechos constitucionales y no ofrezca información voluntariamente para protegerse. Para aquellos que tienen familiares que pueden caer en una de estas categorías, es fundamental que estén alerto y vigilantes y que utilicen sus derechos en la medida de lo posible. Nunca es una buena idea interferir con los esfuerzos legales de las fuerzas de inmigración federales o tomar el asunto en sus propias manos.

Esté preparado y tenga un plan

Animamos a las familias que puedan verse afectadas por detenciones de inmigración a que tengan un plan de emergencia. Este debe incluir la designación de contactos de emergencia de confianza, seguridad de documentos importantes, arreglos para el cuidado de los niños, actualización de contactos de emergencia en la escuela y obtener pasaportes para sus hijos en caso de una situación inesperada. Aunque espero que tales precauciones nunca sean necesarias, tener un plan puede proporcionar una paz mental valiosa.

Órdenes ejecutivas

En los dos primeros días de la Administración, el Presidente firmó 28 Órdenes Ejecutivas relacionadas únicamente con leyes y políticas de inmigración. Algunos de los aspectos más destacados incluyen:

Anulación de la ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento: un juez de una corte federal la declaró «flagrantemente inconstitucional». Una propuesta para enmendar la Constitución de los EE. UU. requeriría que 2/3 del Congreso votara a favor de la enmienda y que 3/4 de los estados estuvieran de acuerdo. Casi la mitad de nuestros estados (22 para ser exactos) presentaron un recurso legal. Por lo tanto, no hay necesidad de preocuparse de que usted o sus hijos nacidos en Estados Unidos pierdan su ciudadanía.
Las escuelas e iglesias ya no están fuera del alcance de ICE. Una vez más, la revocación de la política de la Administración Biden sobre no imponer nuestras leyes de inmigración en las escuelas e iglesias, simplemente nos devuelve a donde estábamos antes de que esta política de Biden entrara en vigor. En cualquier caso, esto no cambia nuestras leyes en cuanto a lo que se considera un espacio privado comparado con un espacio público. ICE no puede entrar en espacios privados (es importante que cada campus designe y etiquete claramente los espacios/áreas privadas) sin una orden judicial. De nuevo, conocer sus derechos es fundamental si se enfrenta con agentes federales de inmigración en espacios públicos.
Ningún solicitante de asilo podrá entrar a los Estados Unidos y se utilizarán fuerzas armadas en la frontera sur - Muchos que esperaban pacientemente su cita con la CBP1 se decepcionaron al ver que sus citas se cancelaron inmediatamente. El programa ha sido cancelado y hemos vuelto al «Programa de permanecer en México»
Será más difícil obtener visas y beneficios - habrá un mayor nivel de inspección cuando los viajantes (incluidos los que tienen visas de no inmigrante y los residentes permanentes legales con antecedentes penales) intenten entrar a los Estados Unidos o solicitar una visa en el extranjero. Ya ha habido numerosos reportes sobre puntos de entrada que se exceden y niegan la entrada basándose en declaraciones formales e informales del Presidente y de agencias. Como mejor práctica, tenga precaución adicional cuando viaje y cuando solicite cualquier beneficio de inmigración.

En definitiva, es importante que el público esté atento a la información que proporciona a cualquier agencia del gobierno federal.

Cambios en las Leyes y Políticas de Inmigración

Lakin-Riley Act

Esta ley, firmada el 29 de enero de 2025, dirige a las autoridades federales de inmigración hacia la detención obligatoria de aquellos sin estatus legal que cometan robos menores o robos en tiendas, agresiones a un agente de la ley o acusaciones criminales que resulten en la muerte o heridas graves a otra persona. Esta ley salta la práctica actual de esperar hasta que alguien sea acusado y condenado antes de intentar deportarlo. Será difícil que esta ley se aplique en la práctica, especialmente en los estados cuyas autoridades judiciales no cooperan con las autoridades federales de inmigración. Conclusión: mantenerte alejado de los problemas.

El Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) ha terminado para los venezolanos.

A pesar de que la administración Biden extendió el TPS para los venezolanos y varios otros países antes de dejar el cargo, la administración Trump ha anulado esta designación. Por lo tanto, el gobierno volverá a la guía del TPS a partir de octubre de 2023. Lo que básicamente significa que a partir del 2 de octubre de 2026, los venezolanos ya no estarán protegidos de la deportación ni tendrán autorización de trabajo a menos que tengan otra forma de permanecer en los Estados Unidos.

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Immigration News & Views

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 21:27:37 GMT

With the new administration taking office, many in our communities feel uncertain about the current immigration enforcement actions — and rightfully so.

While this newsletter does not constitute legal advice, we wanted to share some general guidance to help individuals prepare and safeguard their rights and those of others during these uncertain times.

Know Our Constitutional Rights.

It’s essential for everyone, regardless of immigration status, to be aware of key rights, which include:

The right to remain silent
The right to legal representation
The right to refuse to open your door for enforcement agents unless they have a judicial warrant

If agents say they have a warrant to enter a home or non-public areas of a business, you can ask if they have a judicial warrant and ask for a copy if they say yes. If your door is closed, you may ask them to slide it under the door. In some cases, agents may try to pass off administrative warrants as judicial warrants. Know that judicial warrants must come from a court.

Unlike a judicial warrant, an administrative warrant does not authorize searches of private areas. To identify an administrative warrant, look for language that says, “Department of Homeland Security” “Form I-200” or “Form I-205."

Know Our Federal Government’s Priorities

As a practical matter, the federal government does not have sufficient human or financial resources to apprehend and deport the 12-14 million people who are present in the United States without documentation. Therefore, it is important to understand the following federal government priorities:

Individuals who have been ACCUSED, charged, or convicted of a criminal act;
People who have been ordered removed (or deported) and never left the United States;
Those who pose a risk to public safety or national security and have any affiliation with a gang or terrorist organization
Those individuals who recently entered the United States and should not have been admitted (including those who entered legally on parole)
Those who have reentered the U.S. without permission after having been removed or deported

If an individual does not fall into one of these categories, then it is critical that they utilize their constitutional rights and not volunteer any information to protect themselves. For those who have family members who may fall into one of these categories, they must be vigilant and utilize their rights to the extent possible. It is never a good idea to interfere with Federal Immigration Law Enforcement efforts or to take matters into your own hands.

Be Prepared and Have a Plan

We encourage families who may be affected by immigration apprehensions to have an emergency plan in place. This should include designating reliable emergency contacts, securing important documents, arranging for childcare, updating emergency contacts at school, and obtaining passports for your children in the event of an unexpected situation. While I hope such preparations never become necessary, having a plan can provide valuable peace of mind.

Please consider having a power of attorney in place for someone to be able to take care of your children and business on your behalf. This includes the need to sell your property, close bank accounts, etc. In addition, consider providing a designated family member with a California Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit which can be found here: https://www4.courts.ca.gov/documents/caregiver.pdf .

For additional information on family preparedness please visit https://www.ilrc.org/resources/step-step-family-preparedness-plan#item-4324 and download their toolkit.

Additionally, keeping tabs on what’s going on through reputable sources and consulting with legal professionals is crucial to making well-informed decisions and avoiding fraudulent services.

Beginning February 11th at 5:00 p.m. and every second Tuesday of the month, thereafter, we will be hosting a ZOOM meeting for our clients and contacts so that they can get reliable information and have an opportunity to ask questions. This meeting will be bilingual in Spanish and English. To register, please sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/A9rkov9nS3qYjp3ip4yi2g

In addition, beginning February 25th at noon and every fourth Tuesday of the month, thereafter, we will host a ZOOM meeting for our community partners where we can share our observations, experiences, information, and best practices. This meeting will be in English only. To register please sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/02Qcrls5QbyhI07R9BS3yQ

Executive Orders

In the first two days of the Administration, the President signed 28 Executive Orders related to immigration laws and policies alone. Some of the highlights include:

Overturn Birthright Citizenship – this was ruled “blatantly unconstitutional” by a federal court judge. A proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution would require 2/3 of Congress to vote in favor of the amendment and 3/4 of the states would need to agree. Nearly half of our states (22 to be exact) mounted a legal challenge. Therefore, there is no need to be concerned about you or your children born in the United States from losing their citizenship.
Schools and Churches are no longer off limits to ICE Enforcement – again, the reversal of the Biden Administration’s policy not to enforce our immigration laws at schools and churches, merely puts us back where we were prior to this Biden policy going into place. Regardless, this does not change our laws as to what’s considered a private versus a public space. ICE cannot enter private spaces (important that each campus designate and label private spaces/areas) without a judicial warrant. Again, knowing your rights is critical if confronted by federal immigration officials in public spaces.
No asylum seekers can enter the U.S. and armed forces will be used at the Southern Border – many patiently waiting for their CBP1 appointment were disappointed to have their appointments immediately canceled. The program has been terminated, and we have reverted to the “Remain in Mexico Program.”
It will be harder to get visas and benefits – there will be a heightened level of scrutiny when travelers (including non-immigrant visa holders and legal permanent residents with criminal histories) attempt to enter the U.S. or apply for a visa abroad. There have already been numerous reports regarding ports of entry overstepping and denying entry based on formal and informal Presidential and agency declarations. As best practice, take extra caution when traveling and applying for any immigration benefit.

All in all, the public needs to pay attention to the information they provide to any federal government agency.

Changes to Immigration Laws & Policies

Lakin-Riley Act

This bill signed into law on January 29, 2025, directs federal immigration enforcement to subject those without legal status with minor theft or shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer, or criminal accusations resulting in death or serious bodily injury of another person to mandatory detention. This law skips the current practice of waiting until someone is charged and convicted before trying to deport them. It will be difficult for this law to be implemented as a practical matter, especially in states whose law enforcement agencies do not cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement. Takeaway: stay out of trouble.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Terminated for Venezuelans

Despite the Biden Administration having extended TPS for Venezuelans and several other countries before leaving office, the Trump Administration has vacated this designation. Therefore, the government will revert to the TPS guidance from October 2023. This essentially means that come October 2, 2026, Venezuelans will no longer be protected from deportation nor have work authorization unless they have another way of remaining in the United States.

Please stay abreast of the latest news, as we anticipate that additional countries currently with this protection may lose it as well.

In the coming weeks, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. We’re here to help however we can, no matter what happens.

Understanding the Signs: How to Recognize Domestic Violence in Your Community

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMT

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions, yet it often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognizing the signs is the first step in helping those in need. This blog post will guide you through the various forms of domestic violence and the subtle signs that can help you identify it.

Understanding the Forms of Domestic Violence:

Domestic violence goes beyond physical abuse. It includes emotional, financial, and psychological abuses that control and harm the victim.

Here are the signs for each:

Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises or injuries, frequent visits to the emergency room, wearing clothes that cover the body excessively.

Emotional Abuse: Low self-esteem, withdrawal from social activities, constant worry about angering their partner.

Financial Abuse: Lack of access to money or financial records, their partner taking control over their finances, not having money available for basic needs.

Psychological Abuse: Fearful behavior, anxiety, depression, or being overly eager to please their partner.

How You Can Help:

If you suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence, offer your support without judgment. Encourage them to talk and listen attentively. Most importantly, provide information about local resources like the Shelter Home of Caldwell County where they can seek help safely.

Conclusion:

Understanding and recognizing the signs of domestic violence are crucial steps towards intervention. By staying informed and vigilant, you can make a real difference in someone's life.

Survivor Stories: Finding Strength and Resilience After Abuse

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:17:00 GMT

Recovering from abuse is a journey of strength and resilience. This blog post shares stories from survivors who have found new beginnings through the support of the Shelter Home of Caldwell County. Names and specific details have been changed to protect the identities of these courageous individuals.

Survivor Stories:

Anna's Story: After years of emotional abuse, Anna found the courage to leave her partner with her two children. Through counseling and support groups at SHCC, she rediscovered her self-worth and is now a thriving professional.

Brian's Story: Brian was a victim of financial and physical abuse. With legal and financial advocacy from SHCC, he managed to escape the cycle of abuse and rebuild his financial independence.

Carla's Story: Carla, a sexual assault survivor, utilized SHCC’s emergency shelter and ongoing therapy services to heal. Today, she advocates for other survivors and works to educate the community about sexual violence.

The Role of Support Services:

These stories highlight the importance of comprehensive support services in helping survivors rebuild their lives. The Shelter Home of Caldwell County provides not just shelter but also counseling, legal advocacy, and educational programs to empower survivors.

Conclusion :

Each story of survival is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. With community support and adequate resources, survivors can rebuild stronger and more hopeful lives.

The Role of Community in Combating Human Trafficking

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:50:00 GMT

Human trafficking is a grave issue that thrives in secrecy but can be combated with community vigilance and intervention. This blog post explores how community members can identify and help prevent this crime.

Understanding Human Trafficking:

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or sex. Victims are often hidden in plain sight, afraid to seek help due to threats from traffickers.

Signs of Human Trafficking:

Lack of Freedom: Victims may not be able to speak for themselves, have no control over their money or ID, or exhibit signs of being controlled by another person.

Poor Working Conditions: Victims may work excessively long hours, live at their place of work, or show signs of poor health or injuries from their work environment.

Behavioral Signs: Fearfulness, anxiety, submissive behavior, or any signs that a person does not feel free to come and go as they wish.

Community Action:

Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness programs can equip you with the knowledge to recognize and respond to trafficking.

Support Local Shelters: Places like SHCC are crucial for providing safe havens for victims.

Report Suspicious Activities: Contact local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline if you suspect trafficking activities.

Conclusion:

The battle against human trafficking is challenging but not insurmountable. With community awareness and proactive action, we can make significant strides in protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting victims.