Changes That Could Be Coming to Immigration

Immigration Lawyer Helping People and Families in Texas and New Mexico

With every change in the administration of the federal government, immigration laws have the potential to change. When the current administration takes over, campaign promises regarding immigration may be implemented. Because many of these proposed immigration changes are harsh, they have left many undocumented immigrants with a constant feeling of anxiety.

The proposed sweeping overhaul of United States immigration policies may include many different areas of immigration. Below you will find some of the proposed immigration changes, as well as steps you can take to protect your immigration status. It can be extremely beneficial to speak to an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney from John W. Lawit, LLC about your specific immigration issue.

Will Mass Deportations Occur?

Promises of mass deportations, including workplace raids and the involvement of the military, are—rightfully so—very disheartening. Although the numbers differ significantly from one site to another, it is estimated that there are approximately 11.3 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, with at least seven million of those currently working.

While mass deportation could occur, it is important to remember that such a plan will be extremely difficult to carry out, logistically speaking. Certain legal, ethical, and societal factors across the United States could also at least temporarily halt or slow these mass deportations.

Will the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 Be Used to Justify Deportation?

If the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, along with the Insurrection Act, are invoked, then the U.S. military could be deployed to assist in the apprehension of undocumented immigrants at the southern border. A move like this would require detention camps to be built, which would house undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation. It would also raise serious ethical and legal concerns regarding the role of our military in domestic law enforcement.

Could Workplace Raids Occur?

Industries that frequently employ unauthorized workers could be targeted to find undocumented immigrants. The stated goal is to deter unauthorized employment and lead to shifts in the labor market that would benefit American workers. A more likely result of such tactics would be the disruption of local economies, the separation of families, chaos, and the exacerbation of fear of deportation.

Will the "Remain in Mexico" Policy Be Reinstated?

Migrants who enter the United States via the southern border and request asylum are now allowed to remain in the U.S. while their asylum requests are being considered. The "Remain in Mexico" policy requires these asylum-seekers to return to Mexico while their requests are considered. This could lead to thousands of asylum-seekers struggling to find temporary shelter in northern Mexico.

Will More Border Patrol Agents Be Hired?

The new administration's stated plan is to hire 10,000 new Border Patrol agents. Filling existing positions has been difficult thanks to funding issues and low morale, and enlarging the Border Patrol by 50 percent will require Congressional approval and funding.

Could Birthright Citizenship End?

The United States has a long-standing Constitutional principle that a child born in the United States is granted citizenship. The proposed plan would require any child born in the U.S. to have at least one parent who is a lawful permanent resident or citizen. Such a move would almost certainly be challenged in court, as it would clearly violate the 14th Amendment.

What Can Undocumented Immigrants Do?

Below are some things undocumented immigrants can do right now before these policies are implemented:

• Try to remain calm while staying informed.
• File for permanent residency if you are eligible.
• If you have pending criminal charges—no matter how minor—seek legal counsel immediately.
• Meticulously organize all immigration documents, keeping copies of each original in a separate (safe) place and digital copies for quick access.
• Have a plan for the worst-case scenario that includes legal and financial protections and designates emergency contacts.
• Engage with your community to remain up to date with all information.
• Consider filing for DACA advance parole and renewing DACA or TPS status as early as possible.
• Renew temporary work visas early.
• Ensure that all petitions for family-based visas are up to date.

Contact a Texas and New Mexico Immigration Attorney

Now, more than ever, it is important to schedule regular check-ins with an immigration attorney to explore your options, address your concerns, and avoid unverified advice. When you choose John W. Lawit, LLC, you will have a law firm with more than 40 years of experience in immigration cases. Call 214-609-2242 today to schedule a meeting.