A recent operation conducted through a joint effort between U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials has been described by attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as a trap intended to ensnare immigrants who were seeking permanent legal residency in the U.S. Some of these individuals were called in for interviews that were purportedly to determine the validity of their marriages. Upon their arrival, however, these immigrants were subjected to immediate detention and deportation by ICE and USCIS.

A Planned Deception

Emails exchanged between USCIS and ICE detail the plan to deceive immigrants into arriving for interviews at government offices. ICE requested that these meetings be spaced out to ensure easier scheduling and to prevent media coverage of the arrests that could tip off immigrants to these activities and reduce the chance that they would show up for the supposed interviews. Emails also indicate that USCIS provided ICE with a list containing the names and details for those who had filed an I-130 petition with the agency. ICE then reviewed this list and selected individuals from it to target with this operation.

Separating Married Couples

Along with casting doubt on the legality of these joint ICE-USCIS activities, the ACLU is also questioning the practice of arresting individuals who are attempting to comply with regulations and to engage in the legal process of obtaining permanent legal residency in the U.S. Many of the individuals who have been or could be detained and deported are eligible for provisional waivers during the green card application process. By subjecting them to detention and deportation, these government agencies may be in violation of the letter of the law.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

The immigration process can be complex and may present risks for you and your family. By working with an Orlando immigration lawyer, you can often avoid dangerous situations with government agencies while still pursuing a green card or citizenship in the U.S. Your Orlando immigration lawyer can provide you with expert help in dealing with the interview process and ensuring that you are protecting against adverse actions by ICE and USCIS.

At Pozo Goldstein, our Orlando immigration lawyers can provide you with the most effective solutions for your current situation. We work with individuals and families to provide the right representation for resolving your immigration status, acquiring a green card and remaining in the U.S. legally. Call us today at 407-956-4359 to schedule a free in-office consultation with us. We look forward to the chance to work with you.