Knock, Knock – It’s Immigration at the door!

Jul 14, 2019 News

Immigration News For Our Community 

By Attorney Gail Seeram

Many individuals don’t know what to expect if Immigration comes knocking at their door due to an expired visa/I-94, initiation of removal/deportation proceeding due to commission of a crime, or execution of a final order of removal/deportation. Also, Immigration can visit your job and detain you at your worksite.
Recently, Immigration has engaged in numerous worksite raids at corporations that hire a large number of immigrants. So, what are the DO’S and DON’TS if Immigration comes knocking at your door or job?

1. Be Respectful: Refer to the Immigration Officer as “Sir” or “Madam” or “Officer.”
2. Get the name of the Immigration Officer: ask the officer for his/her business card. If he/she is not willing to give you a business card, then casually ask for his/her name.
3. Ask the Immigration Officer where you are being taken: this is very important because in most states, Immigration has more than one detention center.
4. While being processed, ask to use the phone: the first place Immigration will take you is to an office where you will be fingerprinted and photographed. Politely ask the Immigration officer if you can use the phone to call your family member to let them know you are safe.
5. Inform a family member where you are and the name of the Immigration Officer: Once you get to speak with your family member, give them the name of the detention center you will be taken to and the name of the Immigration officer.
6. Do Not Sign any Documents: The Immigration Officer will present numerous documents to you for your signature. DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENTS. Simply write, “Refuse to Sign” in the signature block. Once an attorney is retained to represent you, the attorney will review the documents and advise you of the legal ramifications of each document.
7. Do Not Submit to Threats by Immigration Officers: I have heard stories of Immigration Officers making threatening remarks such as “If you don’t sign these documents or cooperate, we will hold you here for 6-9 months” or “If you hire an attorney, we will deport you tomorrow”. Do not believe these statements.
8. Exercise your Right for a Bond Hearing: The Immigration Officer will ask you if you want a hearing to determine bond – always answer, “Yes”.
9. Be Patient: It is tough to be held in a detention center and to be away from your family. I always urge my clients to be patient with the process and don’t rush to give up and opt for removal/deportation without a hearing.
10. Inform the Immigration Officers of Special Dietary Needs or Medical Conditions: If you have special dietary or food needs (such as vegetarian), make sure you inform the immigration officers so they can make the proper arrangements for your food. Also, if you have any medical conditions and require daily medicine, advise the immigration officers so they can have your family bring your medicine or make arrangements for you to have your medicine at the detention facility.

Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA
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Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2019. All Rights Reserved.

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