Immigrants like Arellano leave their mark on history! Elvira motivated us to reconsider what happens to an immigrant family who has a U.S. citizen son who is separated as a result of his parent’s deportation. More than 30 years have passed since September 30th, 1976, the last day that immigrants could obtain their residency from giving birth to a citizen child.
Arellano asked to be legalized for the well being of his citizen son without understanding the law and the real significance of the power of discression that immigration agents and judges have to determine cases individually. Elvira reentered the United States illegally after a deportation. This act qualifies her as inadmissible and could even
be accused of a crime and punished with a prison sentence for many years.
Like Arellano, many foreigners who reside in the country for more than ten years and who have minor children, and
are desperate to assure their legal status in the country for the future of their children, accept the recommendation of immigration lawyers who present suspension of removal as the last resort without being aware of the consequences. Considering these types of cases, a primary judge should contemplate the deportation without considering the implications for minor children. This is the law!
The press was observing the reaction of the government when Arellano decided not to trust the immigration system. As a consequence, the government has to arrest her immediately! Like a cat who waits carefully for the entry of a mouse, the immigrations agents were waiting for Arellano to appear in a public location.
For this reason, we recommend that a foreigner present a Suspension of Removal Proceedings only when they find themselves in deportation proceedings, because it is the only solution that could slow their removal. They should also begin another residency application which could help support them in case their suspension case is denied. Remember that there is always more to analyze before formulating a legal strategy.
Eduardo Juárez is president of the International Immigrant Foundation. For assessment of questions concerning immigration, visit the International Immigrant Foundation in the Immigrant Building: 7 West 44 Street, Manhattan, N.Y. or call (212) 302-2222.
INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANTS FOUNDATION
33 years, Guiding, Legalizing, and Educating
Immigrants since 1973
O.N.G. UNITED
NATIONS E.C.O.S.O.C.
IMMIGRANTS
BUILDING:
7 W. 44th St.,
New York,
N.Y.
10036
(212) 302-2222 – email:
www.InmigrantsFoundacion.com
*Edward Juarez Studied
sociology, International laws, and specialized
in immigration. In 1973, established the
International Immigrants Foundation, a
non-profit institution created to educate, help,
and defend immigrants. In 1984, he established
the American Multicultural Coalition and the
International Cultures Celebration, conferences
in the United Nations, and the Parade and
Festival to promote intercultural relations.
With the goal of emphasizing the contributions
of immigrants,
Juarez established the “Immigrants
Building”
in 2003, located at
7 West 44th Street
in
Manhattan,
NYC, where the Foundation continues developing
programs that improve the quality of life for
immigrants. Currently, he is am active writer,
speaker, immigration columnist in El Diario la
Prensa, and host of The Immigrants Voice radio
and television programs.
coming soon!
