Migrants in the US Should Seek Legal Counsel Before Trump

who takes power on January 20th

Trump threatens massive deportations and the closure of programs that benefit migrants beginning on the first day of his administration.

By Confidencial

HAVANA TIMES – The return to power of Donald Trump carries with it a series of threats against immigrants in the United States. Because of this, activists and NGOs are recommending that any migrants who are vulnerable to deportation should “seek a lawyer.” This same advice applies to those who could be left in legal “limbo” if programs such as TPS (Temporary Protective Status) or Humanitarian Parole are closed.

Trump will assume his second mandate in office on January 20, 2025. He has promised his followers that on “day one” he’ll order massive deportations of immigrants and the suspension of immigration programs.

“The principal recommendation for migrants is to seek legal help now to study their options, not to wait until their protected status is terminated or until they’re detained or cited to appear, either by the Court or by US Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE),” stated Carolina Sediles, who volunteers with the Nicaraguan-American Human Rights Alliance (NAHRA).

Similarly, they should take preventive measures, such as granting power of attorney for family or financial matters. Although this can be worked on from a detention center, it’s slower and more complicated,” alerted attorney Harold Rocha, expert in International Law, and himself part of the Nicaraguan diaspora in the United States.

According to Manuel Orozco, who specializes in migration issues and works as a researcher for Inter-American Dialogue, as many as 10,000 Nicaraguans could be deported from the United States during the first months of Trump’s mandate. However, the quantity of deportations will depend on the resources and logistical capacity of the United States government.

Rocha warned: “there are some non-profit entities that also offer support, but it’s doubtful whether they can obtain the resources to broaden their services enough to cover demand.” For that reason, some organizations are drawing up guides, to prepare each person to represent themselves if they’re unable to contract a private lawyer.

What to do? Where to go?

In an informative guide they’ve released, NAHRA suggests that immigrants “evaluate their situation, because each case is different. They should analyze their options: if they have relatives who are US citizens or legal residents who could petition for them; if they face police persecution in their country of origin; or if they’ve had a job offer or special work skills that would classify them for a visa.

There are a number of organizations in the United States that offer support to immigrants of different nationalities, including those who could be affected by political decisions or changes in the immigration laws. These organizations may be able to offer some legal assistance, community resources or emotional support.

These are the principal organizations and their areas of focus:

1. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

• What they do:
  • Provide legal advocacy and resources to protect civil rights, including those of immigrants.
  • Fight policies that violate human rights, such as mass deportations or the suspension of programs like TPS.

• Contact: www.aclu.org

2. National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

• What they do:
  •  Provide legal resources and promote policies to defend low-income immigrants.
  • Actively work to protect TPS, DACA and other programs.

• Contact:  www.nilc.org

3. United We Dream

• What they do:
  • The largest immigrant youth-led organization
  • Offers legal resources, rights information, and community support for those facing threats of deportation.

• Contact: www.unitedwedream.org

4. Catholic Charities USA

• What they do:
  • Provide immigration legal services and humanitarian support to migrants and refugees.
  • Assist with asylum processing, TPS, DACA and more.

• Contact: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

5.  RAICES ((Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)

• What they do:
  • Provide free or low-cost legal assistance to immigrants in detention and people at risk of deportation
  • Provide resources for immigrant children and families

• Contact: www.raicestexas.org

6.  Al Otro Lado [“On the Other Side”]

• What they do:
  • Provide legal assistance to immigrants, especially those along the border
  • Provide resources for knowing your rights if faced with deportation processes.

• Contact: www.alotrolado.org

7.  Immigration Equality

• What they do:
  • Provide specialized assistance to LGBTQ+ immigrants who are facing additional risks due to restrictive sexual policies.
  • Help with asylum cases and immigrant rights for LGBTQ+ immigrants.

• Contact: www.immigrationequality.org

8.  Border Angels

• What they do:
  • Provide humanitarian aid including legal services for immigrants and refugees
  • Work to prevent abuses at the border and during deportation processes

• Contact: www.borderangels.org

9.  CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.)

• What they do:
  • Provide free or low-cost legal representation to immigrants all over the country.
  • Offer training and resources to lawyers and volunteers

• Contact: www.cliniclegal.org

10.  National Immigration Forum

• What they do:
  • Advocate for immigration policies that promote inclusion
  • Provide resources and information about legal rights.

• Contact: www.immigrationforum.org

Immigrants should know their rights and not run away

In their guide, NAHRA stresses that although immigrants in the United States have no legal status, they do have some fundamental rights that are protected by the US Constitution and federal laws.

Among these are the right to remain silent, not be forced to sign anything without the presence of a lawyer, and the right to consult with a lawyer before responding to questions.

US Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) cannot enter your home without a legal written order signed by a judge; nor can they enter schools or churches. They can carry out inspections at workplaces, but must first present a valid judicial or administrative order.

“Don’t flee. Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Maintain contact with lawyers or legal representatives who can help you in case of a raid,” NAHRA recommends.

First published in Spanish by Confidencial and translated and posted in English by Havana Times.

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