In several recent posts, we’ve discussed proposed changes in immigration policy. Some of those proposals, such as the executive immigration orders, are currently locked up in legal battles. Others have been introduced with much less media scrutiny.
Specifically, three bills would drastically beef up current immigration enforcement efforts. Two of the bills would give new powers to the two federal agencies tasked with immigration laws: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The third bill addresses a range of immigration enforcement issues.
As background, both ICE and USCIS are components of the United States Department of Homeland Security. However, the agencies have different responsibilities. ICE deals with border immigration and enforcement issues, whereas USCIS handles lawful immigration requests.
Among other proposals, the bills would increase the ranks of deportation officers by thousands and add body armor and assault rifles to their standard equipment. Protections currently offered to undocumented children might also be removed, a policy started by the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
If ICE is ramping up its deportation efforts, it is more important than ever to take proactive action regarding one’s immigration status. Until programs are officially modified, there may be steps an undocumented immigrant can take to obtain the necessary documentation to be able to lawfully live and work in the United States.
No one should have to live in fear of deportation. Contact an immigration rights attorney today to discuss your options. Our law firm has helped hundreds of immigrants, legal and undocumented, in the Nashville and the surrounding areas.
Source: The Intercept, “Republican Immigration Bill Threatens to Turn Millions of People into Criminals Overnight,” Ryan Devereaux, May 18, 2017