Families who come forward to sponsor undocumented immigrant children are being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. According to ICE officials, individuals and families who have stepped up to take in migrant children are subject to background checks and fingerprinting. More than 40 people have been detained by ICE and are currently pending deportation after volunteering to help sponsor immigrant children who are seeking asylum in the United States.
Penalizing Those Trying to Help
Unaccompanied children who request asylum in the U.S. must typically either be held in federal detention centers or allowed to stay with sponsor families already in the country. In some cases, these sponsors are related to the child and can provide a sense of family while the process of awarding or denying asylum continues. By subjecting these individuals to background checks and deporting undocumented individuals who are trying to help these vulnerable children, ICE is ensuring that more children will be kept in detention centers without the support they need to navigate this lengthy process.
Most Detained Solely for Immigration Violations
ICE also confirmed that about 70 percent of those individuals detained after volunteering to provide sponsorship for unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in the U.S. were arrested on immigration violation charges alone. This is in line with current policies put in place by the Trump administration that appear intended to discourage all types of immigration, both legal and illegal. It does represent a significant shift from the policies established by previous administrations.
More Children in Federal Detention
ICE figures indicate that approximately 13,000 children are currently in federal detention centers awaiting decisions on their asylum applications. This represents an all-time high number of children in these centers and a significant burden on those charged with their care.
Working Toward a Solution
For those already in custody and those worried about ICE actions against themselves and their families, calling a New York immigration lawyer can provide added help in navigating the legal process and achieving the right to remain in the U.S. legally. Your New York immigration lawyer will work with you to find the most practical solutions for your situation. This can allow you to resolve issues with ICE quickly and effectively.
At Pozo Goldstein, our New York immigration lawyers can provide you with the assertive and effective representation needed to resolve immigration issues in the most practical way possible. We work with you to ensure that you receive the help you need to deal with all types of immigration problems. Call us today at 212-201-9031 to schedule a consultation with us. We look forward to meeting with you.
