As a Miami immigration lawyer, I viewed with dismay the news that Immigration officials are preparing a nationwide push in January 2016 to apprehend and deport Central American families who arrived in recent years and have been ordered by immigration judges to leave. Below are some frequently asked questions.
Who will be the focus of the increased deportation efforts?
The increased deportation efforts will target hundreds of families who decided to follow often-dangerous smuggling routes into the U.S., fleeing escalating violence and harsh economic conditions in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, but whose requests for asylum have been denied. If this pertains to you, or a loved one, I would suggest that you speak with a Miami immigration lawyer sooner rather than later to discuss your options.
I am Central American and I have requested asylum. Will this increased deportation effort affect me?
According to immigration officials, the deportation effort by USCIS would target Central American migrants who have arrived in the U.S. recently, whose requests for asylum have been denied and who have received a so-called “final order of removal” since Jan. 1, 2014, the officials said. Again, if this scenario pertains to you, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer to discuss your options.
Why are the immigration authorities stepping up deportation efforts?
The new push is intended to send a signal to people thinking of making the treacherous journey to the U.S. from Central America that they won’t be able to stay if caught.
Officials fear that current policies have done little to deter Central American migrants, who illegally entered the U.S. in record numbers last year.
Has there been any outcry about the stepped up deportation efforts?
Yes, the reported plans have drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights groups, who say that immigration court proceedings that lead to deportation orders are often flawed. Many immigration activities find it outrageous that the Administration plans to conduct raids on families who have fled persecution and violence.
If you would like more information on increased deportation efforts focused on Central Americans, please contact Miami immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305) 895-2500 or visit our website at murraysilva.com.