The current administration’s aggressive expansion of removal operations has led to a rise in deportations. Immigration officers now have greater discretion to detain and try to remove people who violate immigration laws, even if those violations are minor or happened years ago. This includes overstaying a visa, missing an immigration appointment or having an old removal order that was never resolved.
Here are some of the things to be aware of.
More agencies are sharing information
Data-sharing between government departments has also increased, aided by executive orders and other government initiatives. As a result, information can now spread more quickly between local law enforcement, federal agencies and immigration authorities. A simple traffic stop, an old arrest, or even a paperwork mistake could end up in a database that immigration officials regularly check.
Changes to rules and their enforcement
There have been changes to asylum standards, visa requirements and some immigration rules. There have also been shifts in how the immigration agency is interpreting rules. People who have been here for years and who have long called the U.S. home are sometimes finding themselves targeted for deportation because of this, despite not having had problems before. It’s making it a worrying time for many people and their families.
If you’re worried about your immigration status or that of a loved one, don’t wait. Reach out to someone who understands the ins and outs of immigration law to clarify your options, strengthen your case and give you a real plan forward. It can make a huge difference in protecting your rights while giving you peace of mind amidst the overwhelming uncertainty.