September 30th signifies the close of the fiscal year for government agencies. The closer we get to this date, the Department of National Security, known as ICE, takes on the task of complying with all of the customs and immigration laws and increases the number of arrests at work places to justify by statistics, the usefulness of their existence.
In the last roundups, not only do immigrants fall in violation of immigration laws, but also those who promote these illegal acts, such as directors of big businesses that cant find North American workers. The case of the factory in New Bedford Massachusetts is a good example. The directors were defendants for conspiring against the laws. By encouraging immigrants to travel, enter, and reside in the country by illegal means with the intention of employing them without authorization to do jobs protected by the federal government, and then protecting them from detention. Recently, more than 270 immigrants were arrested in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, and it is possible that in the next few weeks the numbers of arrests will continue to increase around the country.
In general, the immigration agents won’t make arrests in public places, because they aren’t sure whether that person is a citizen or an undocumented alien. It is possible that they will attempt to determine your status in the United States. In order for this attempt to be legal, one has to consent to be interrogated. An interrogation can begin with a simple question, “Can I speak with you?” If you say yes, you are giving the official the right to question you. If you say in a calm and educated manner, I am sorry, I’m busy, and keep on walking; it would be very difficult for them to arrest you. If you haven’t begun your application for residency, don’t wait any more time!
Remember that there is always more to analyze before forming 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!
