In the pursuit of the American dream, even routine steps can carry heavy risks. The cost is measured in uncertainty, fear and, as reports have revealed, handcuffs.
Reports have emerged that federal authorities have been detaining individuals, including the spouses of American citizens, during routine Green Card interviews at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices in San Diego.
One attorney reported that his client was handcuffed and taken into custody while attending such an interview.
Federal agencies are arresting those who overstayed their visas.
They were arrested when they appeared for visa interviews.
Several couples and their legal representatives told an American daily that they had complied with all required steps to obtain permanent residency.
“ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and USCIS have started implementing a policy where ICE is now making arrests at USCIS offices during the green card interviews on anyone who is a visa overstay, so if they’re out of status, ICE is making that arrest at the interviews,” Saman Nasseri was quoted as saying.
Nasseri said five of his clients were detained during Green Card appointments just in the past week. He said that none of them had criminal records or prior arrests.
“None of my clients have any arrests or criminal history that are in this situation. These are just cases where they entered legally, they overstayed their visa. All of my cases right now are people that have been married to US citizens, so these are spouses of US citizens that are going through the normal process, the normal channels, and they’re being taken into custody,” Nasseri added.
Another attorney, Habib Hasbini, confirmed that his clients have faced similar treatment.
“The first one was November 12, the eve of the memo that came down from ICE. After that, I had four to follow through, but I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls from people who were arrested from the same facility,” Hasbini told a media outlet.
Hasbini noted that, at present, the detentions appear to be limited to the San Diego USCIS location.
He advised that individuals scheduled for Green Card interviews should still attend, but remain aware of the possibility of being detained.
He recommended making arrangements with family and employers in advance, warning that missing an interview could lead to a denial for abandonment. He also pointed out that those who are out of status may still be subject to ICE arrest regardless, the media house reported.
A Mexican national in the US since 2002 was allegedly detained during his Green Card interview. His US citizen daughter had filed the petition for him.
According to a version, the officer stepped out for a moment. Two ICE officers walked in, asked his name, and handcuffed him.
He was taken to the basement of the federal building. He was later held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center.
One attorney said ICE officers handed over a “Warrant for Arrest” from the Department of Homeland Security. The report said the warrant claimed probable cause based on what he told an immigration officer or on evidence that he lacked status or was removable.
An ICE spokesperson told a section of the media the agency was focused on enforcing immigration laws with targeted operations. The spokesperson said people without status, even at USCIS offices, could face arrest, detention, and removal.
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