As many California residents may know, the immigration system is often confusing and, at times, even contradictory. Unintentional results may spring from laws designed to address issues very different from what they are intended for. One woman has experienced this firsthand after she applied for an adjustment of status.
Mexican political asylum requests doubled in past year
A San Diego news article highlights the soaring numbers of Mexican citizens claiming political asylum over the past year, likely due to escalating drug violence in the country. In 2010, approximately 3,200 Mexicans requested political asylum, with only 49 Mexican citizens being approved. That number has almost doubled since then, with more than 6,100 people requesting it in 2011. Nevertheless, only 104 people who requested asylum over the past year were granted it.
Difficulty in obtaining green cards separates families
A change in current immigration law may offer San Diego residents and their families a better chance at obtaining green cards. The current regulations require that those immigrants seeking green cards who apply for a hardship waiver are first required to return to their own country for a consulate interview. Many times, this results in an individual being denied reentry to the U.S. The new change permits applicants for green cards to apply for the hardship waiver in the United States, which can then permit them to stay for an indefinite period of time while awaiting citizenship.
Immigrant veterans protest deportation over misdemeanor crimes
Two San Diego war veterans are fighting the immigration process after being threatened with deportation. The brothers served honorably during the Vietnam War, and one was even decorated with a Bronze Star. Now in their 60s, the brothers are protesting against the United States government and fighting to stay in the country. Both men are embroiled in immigration hearings requiring that they mount a vigorous deportation defense just to stay in the country for which they previously placed their lives at risk in going to war.
Immigration report states tough laws do not cause self-deportation
A new report refutes claims that tough immigration laws in certain states cause immigrants to leave the United States and return home. Those who are in the country illegally, whether in California or elsewhere, tend not to head home even when harsh laws are passed, instead choosing to either move where the laws are friendlier or even stay where they are in spite of them.
