The real cost of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies has been highlighted by two recent deaths. Each of these incidents could have been prevented by more compassionate policies and actions on the part of the U.S. government. For many immigrants, however, the only real protection against harsh treatment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies is to retain the services of an experienced Orlando immigration lawyer. These dedicated individuals can often find ways to resolve visa issues and to provide the most practical guidance for those seeking permanent residency status in the United States.

Asylum Seeker Commits Suicide After He Is Separated From Wife and Child

Marco Antonio Muñoz, a Honduran immigrant seeking asylum with his wife and three-year-old child, was told by Border Patrol agents that the family would be separated. It is not clear if Muñoz was aware that this separation was likely to be only a temporary measure. In any case, Muñoz entered the U.S. on May 12, 2018, and had committed suicide in his cell by the morning of May 13, 2018.

19-Year-Old Student Killed After Deportation to Mexico

Manuel Antonio Cano Pacheco arrived in the U.S. at the age of three and was covered under the provisions of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Pacheco reportedly had a scholarship to attend a college in the Chicago area that would have allowed him to pursue his interest in auto mechanics. He had been convicted of two misdemeanor charges and had had his DACA protections revoked. Pacheco was deported to Mexico on April 20, 2018. He was killed just three weeks later in Zacatecas, Mexico.

A Pattern of Harsh Treatment

While Pacheco had technically violated the law, it was unlikely that he would have been deported under previous administrations. His criminal activities did not rise to the level needed to constitute a threat to public safety. Pacheco’s death was absolutely avoidable if common-sense measures and a little kindness had been practiced in his case. Muñoz, on the other hand, had done nothing wrong. He had applied for asylum in an acceptable way and had not violated any laws during the process. Both cases highlight the need to retain the services of an Orlando immigration lawyer to represent you and your family when dealing with ICE and other federal agencies.

Seeking Asylum?

At Pozo Goldstein, we are committed to helping you and your family to achieve your goals of safety, security and legal residency. If you need an experienced Orlando immigration lawyer, we can provide you with the best options for your needs. Call us today at 407-956-4359 to schedule a free consultation with our team of legal experts. We are here to serve your immigration law needs.