Could Proposed Immigration Changes Affect Your Family?

 Posted on November 12, 2024 in Immigration

Every time the United States votes for a new administration, changes to immigration are almost inevitable. This can be unsettling for immigrants not in the country legally and those waiting on a decision regarding legal status.

When an administration is talking about deportation, it can be frightening, and it can leave individuals unsure of what they should do to protect themselves and their families. When there is talk of invoking the Alien Enemies Act or using the National Guard to "round up" undocumented immigrants, it is hard to see through the political noise and make wise decisions.

What is almost a certainty is that drastic reductions to the undocumented population will lead to logistical hurdles and legal battles, not to mention some level of chaos in communities across the country. If you are an undocumented immigrant, it could be a positive step to speak to a knowledgeable Naperville, IL immigration attorney from Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices.

What is the Remain in Mexico Program?

We could see the Remain in Mexico program renewed. This program would force migrants seeking asylum to wait in Mexico while their cases are being processed. This can potentially be a dangerous time for some who may have fled the country under threats of violence.

Initiatives currently in place that allowed specific migrant groups to enter the U.S. legally could be rolled back. These initiatives allowed migrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Cuba to enter the U.S. legally as long as certain conditions were met.  

What About Travel Bans and Birthright Citizenship?

Travel bans could be renewed and expanded and could target more countries. "Ideological screening" could narrow the list of those allowed to enter the United States even more. Plans to end birthright citizenship for children born to U.S. parents without legal status could be in the works, although intense legal challenges could result. It is important to remember that some of these plans face steep opposition from legal experts and advocacy groups, so it is unknown whether they will be implemented.

Re-entry Policies Add More Barriers for Immigrants

Deporting millions of people and managing the re-entries would present formidable logistical challenges. Immigrants already face backlogs and wait times for permanent residency, along with annual limits, country quotas, and extensive delays. For some, the wait can already be decades.

Restrictive re-entry policies block re-entry for immigrants with a history of "unlawful presence" in the United States. Those who have been in the U.S. for more than six months but less than one year are facing a three-year re-entry ban, while those who have been in the country illegally for more than a year face a ten-year re-entry ban.  

What Options Do Undocumented Immigrants Have?

Since every situation is different, it is important to discuss your immigration status with an experienced, compassionate immigration attorney. Your attorney may have solid options for you and/or your family members that could allow you to stay in the United States. If it looks like you could be deported, it could be a better choice to return to your country of origin on your own, if possible, and then apply for legal entry into the United States.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Immigration Lawyer

This is a time when it can be crucial to have the best, most experienced Bloomingdale, IL immigration attorney in your corner. Attorney Steven H. Mevorah has been advocating for immigrants for more than four decades, developing a vast knowledge of the federal agencies dealing with immigration issues.

These agencies include the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Customs and Border Protection (CPB). Contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices at 630-932-9100 to schedule your free consultation to discuss your immigration issues.