Mass Deportations: Who's The Target?

Summary

In this video, immigration attorney Alen Shova outlines the groups most at risk of mass deportation under the Trump administration. He discusses individuals with long-standing removal orders, those with criminal records, people involved in prior removal proceedings, and undocumented individuals who may be targeted. Alen highlights the methods the government could use to track and deport people, including using utility records and social media. He also offers legal advice on how those at risk can protect themselves, such as by filing motions to reopen cases or seeking waivers. Viewers are encouraged to seek legal counsel for proactive strategies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Individuals with past orders of removal, such as those who lost asylum cases, may be targeted for deportation under the Trump administration.
• 😀 People who failed to attend their ICE supervision appointments are at a higher risk of deportation due to violation of their conditions.
• 😀 Criminal offenders, even those not yet in removal proceedings, may face deportation after being placed in removal proceedings with due process rights.
• 😀 People whose removal proceedings were administratively closed in the past may have their cases reopened and face deportation under the Trump administration.
• 😀 Individuals who had their immigration benefits (like TPS or adjustment of status) denied due to criminal records or other issues might be at risk of deportation if they never appealed or refiled.
• 😀 Undocumented individuals without pending immigration benefits or work permits may be placed into deportation proceedings if encountered by law enforcement.
• 😀 Minor offenses, like traffic violations, can lead to detection of undocumented status and initiation of deportation proceedings.
• 😀 The government may use utility company records to locate undocumented individuals, even though this practice was previously criticized.
• 😀 Social media accounts are being used by authorities to track undocumented individuals and locate those who are subject to deportation.
• 😀 Even individuals with past orders of removal may have legal options to contest deportation, such as filing motions to reopen their cases or seeking relief based on changed circumstances.
• 😀 It is crucial for those at risk of deportation to consult with an immigration lawyer and create a proactive plan to address their legal status.

Q & A

What groups are likely to be targeted for deportation under a Trump administration?

The groups most likely to be targeted for deportation include individuals with existing orders of removal, people with criminal records who haven't been in removal proceedings, those whose removal proceedings were administratively closed, individuals who were denied immigration benefits and failed to follow up, and undocumented individuals who are caught in law enforcement encounters or during travel.

What happens if someone has an existing order of removal but hasn't left the U.S.?

If you have an old order of removal that was never carried out, it is still valid. You could face deportation, especially if you have violated conditions of supervision or failed to follow up on your case.

How might individuals with criminal records be affected under the new deportation policy?

Individuals with criminal records who have not yet been placed in removal proceedings may be placed into those proceedings by the government. They would then have the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

What is meant by 'administratively closed' removal proceedings?

Administratively closed removal proceedings are cases that were temporarily paused or not actively pursued. The Trump administration may choose to reopen these cases, putting individuals back on the path toward deportation.

What happens if someone was previously denied immigration benefits?

If you applied for immigration benefits, such as asylum or adjustment of status, and were denied but never followed up, your case may still be in the records. This could lead to you being targeted for deportation.

Can someone be deported for a minor violation, like a traffic offense?

Yes, undocumented individuals who are caught by law enforcement during a routine traffic stop or other interactions could be placed into removal proceedings if their immigration status is discovered.

What role do utility company records play in tracking individuals for deportation?

ICE has been known to use utility company records, such as electricity or water bills, to track individuals who are living without legal immigration status. This practice has been reprimanded but could be used again in the future.

How does social media help the government in locating undocumented individuals?

The government, including ICE, has confirmed that it monitors social media accounts to track the whereabouts of undocumented individuals. This information can then be used to locate people and initiate deportation proceedings.

What legal options are available for those with orders of removal?

People with orders of removal may have several legal options, such as filing a motion to reopen their case, seeking waivers, or applying for relief such as asylum or withholding of removal if country conditions have changed.

Why is it important to consult an immigration attorney if facing deportation risks?

Consulting an immigration attorney is crucial because they can help you understand your legal rights and options, such as filing motions to reopen or applying for different forms of relief, to potentially delay or prevent deportation.