PRESIDENT Donald Trump has intensified his crackdown on undocumented immigrants and many raids have already been conducted to apprehend those who have been living in the United States without legal status.
While Trump said he will prioritize deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records as President Barack Obama did during his term, Trump’s executive order has a far wider scope in terms of its implementation primarily because its definition of “criminal records” is broader.
Included in the “criminal record” may not be limited to grave crimes like theft, murder, drug trading, etc.
In an interview on CNN, Texas Senator Joaquin Castro said the mere record of illegally being in and overstaying in the United States may be deemed as a criminal record. This “crime” of not obeying immigration laws may warrant an apprehension and may consequently lead to deportation after due process has been followed.
In my interview with immigration lawyer Atty. Lou Tancinco on The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America”, she said that kababayans who are undocumented must now consult with their trusted reputable immigration attorney to know their rights, and to be guided on what steps to make if they get apprehended.
Tancinco also said that if you get arrested in a raid, you have to calm down and cooperate, but remember that you have the right to remain silent and seek representation from an attorney. You should also not sign nor admit to anything WITHOUT your attorney as you may be put in a compromising and aggravating situation if you say or sign something under fear and duress without understanding what you are agreeing to.
Remember, too, that under the law, there is due process even in immigration cases, and even possible remedies to avoid deportation.
Be proactive. Know your rights. Consult a reputable attorney.
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
