DEPORTATION: PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

With the election of President Trump many non-citizens are understandably worried. Trump has promised to deport millions of immigrants, though the specifics of his plan have not yet been made clear.

The government controls the action. But you control the response. Yes, there are things you can and should do, so you can manage your fear.

It's a lot easier not to spill the milk than it is to clean it up.

FIRST: FIGURE OUT YOUR STATUS

• You need to know what your immigration status is and if there is a way to fix it. If there is, now is the time to start. 
• If you have an alien number (an 8 or 9 digit number beginning with the letter A) call the immigration court hotline at (800) 898-7180 to see if your A number is in the system.  If you know you're in removal proceedings, this hotline will tell you where and when your next hearing is, what your case history is, etc. 
• If you once had papers from immigration when you came into the country, your A number will likely be on it. Now's the time to find them.
• You may have been told that you have no options. That may have been true, but it is not necessarily still true. Things change. The law be different now. Your personal circumstances, or those of your home country, may be different. All these things affect your eligibility. Get UPDATED advice.
• There are a lot of lawyers gearing up to help you. You are not alone.

SECOND: DONT'S

• Generally you get a hearing before an immigration judge.  NEVER sign anything giving up this right - no matter what you are  told.
• If you're not a citizen and you have a criminal record - don't travel outside the US without consulting an attorney first.
• If you're not a citizen and you have a criminal record, don't file anything with USCIS without consulting an attorney first.
• If an ICE agent comes to your door, DO NOT answer any questions. Do not say anything untruthful, Simply execute your plan.
• Do not carry identification from your country of origin. If you cannot get identification in the state you live in, move to a state where you can get identification. Do not lie about your residence: you must actually move. 
• Do NOT buy an ID off the street. These shops will be waiting to take your money and sell you false security. Don't fall for it.
• Do NOT say anything to an immigration officer, especially about your country of birth or any information about your case. Although the government does not have to provide you with an attorney, you do have the right to get your own. Use it.
• Do NOT give the names of anyone else who lives in the house, or works with you.
• Don't think there is no one to help you. You are not alone.

THIRD: DO'S

• Formulate a plan of what to do if you are arrested. This is not easy to plan: you will need to think about yourself, your spouse/significant other, your children. Community ties are important. Reach out to your faith community. Talk to family members who are citizens or have lawful status. (If they are not citizens, they should become citizens as soon as possible.) Think about where your children will go and who will take care of them. It is very difficult to think about, but once you have a plan, you will feel much more empowered.
• If ICE comes to your door, ask to see a warrant. It should be signed. It will have the name of the person or persons they are seeking. If they do not have a warrant, do not open the door. They cannot force everyone in the house to show their identification. 
• Do remain silent.
• Be careful driving. Many deportations begin with a traffic stop.
• Do reach out to advocates and lawyers who are busy preparing for what Trump is promising. You are not alone.

THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED - CHECK BACK SOON


Read more about deportation.