Your Immigration Status and You

Being aware of your immigration status is of utmost importance if you would like not to have unpleasant surprises. A common scenario arises if your parents are from another country. Some parents will not disclose your immigration status to you either because they do not know it or because they are trying to protect you from the ramifications of being in the United States unlawfully.

Recently, a college student was arrested by ICE while on her way home for Thanksgiving. According to this story, she was unaware that she was subject to a final order of removal before she was apprehended. (Note: the article is confusing because it says she has an immigration lawyer. It is unclear how her immigration lawyer was unaware of her removal order). Ignorance of your immigration situation is only bliss until it catches up to you. If you are unsure of your immigration status, contact us today so that you do not have any unwelcome holiday surprises.

One way (though not full proof) of determining your immigration status according to EOIR (i.e., Immigration Court) is to search by your A number here. Note that just because your name does not come up, you are not in the clear. You may not have an A number yet still be in the United States unlawfully. Another possibility is that your information is in the system but that it contains errors. Speaking to an immigration attorney is essential to determining your status and possible vehicles to protect your ability to find your way to stay℠.

Note: ICE, and DHS more generally, are now scanning people traveling by domestic air for immigration issues. Before traveling by domestic air, train, or bus, be sure to know your status so that you can fix any outstanding immigration issues before they develop into major problems (e.g., detention and deportation).