How many times have you heard of someone who lives in the US going to Mexico just for a couple of weeks or a month, then coming back into the country? Your immigration law firm can help you understand what the consequences are, or you can read for more information below.
The Stay in Mexico Program is a U.S.-Mexico border management program that was originally implemented in 2013. This program allows foreigners from 45 countries who enter at specific ports of entry to remain within 25 miles on the Mexican side of the border for up to six months while they wait for their immigration hearings.
- In essence, it allowed immigrants from certain countries to avoid being stuck on either side of the border while waiting on their immigration cases. It also helped them avoid having to return to their home countries and apply from there rather than staying in a dangerous area or one that is not their home country.
The Stay in Mexico Program was created by the US, Mexican and Canadian governments. It is one of several programs that are focused on border management rather than immigration control throughout North America.
One reason for the cancellation is because the countries want to treat immigrants humanely while they await their court cases, but how does it help immigrants?
David Leopold, an attorney with Ulmer & Berne LLP who specializes in immigration law, said “This program abused migrants’ rights to seek protection from persecution. This is a rigged system designed to send people back to torture.” This would mean that any person who wishes to enter the program must first be turned away at a port of entry before they are allowed to enter the program.
This is problematic for many immigrants because they are already at a disadvantage when it comes to their cases, due to their lack of access to legal representation and other resources. The Stay in Mexico Program eliminates even more opportunities for immigrants by not allowing them entry into the country while they wait for their court date which could take months or even years before being finalized.
David Leopold also stated, “This program helped people seek protection under US law while safely on Mexican soil instead of suffering in fear while stuck in dangerous border areas.” Illegal crossings at the southern border have increased since 2014, making matters worse for both immigrants and citizens who live along the border. These crossings are often life-threatening with many immigrants getting caught in harsh terrain or the heat of the desert.
This combined with the increased violence in Mexico has led to more Mexicans fleeing to America for safety, but instead of making them wait at dangerous ports of entry, it allowed them to be within proximity while they awaited their cases.
Canceling this program may increase illegal crossings into America because people who were not granted entry through the Stay in Mexico Program will find other means, putting themselves and citizens living along border areas at risk.
Will it Benefit You to Get an Immigration Attorney?
Consider hiring an immigration attorney to help you with your case. An attorney will be able to provide you with legal advice and assistance throughout the process, helping you get more favorable results.
Also, the required court documents are complicated so having an attorney work on your behalf can save you time and energy while putting your case in the best position for a positive outcome. Remember that each state has its specific requirements when it comes to immigration cases so contacting an immigration attorney who specializes in your state is important.
What Factors Do Immigration Attorneys Consider?
When determining whether or not someone should receive asylum several factors need to be considered such as persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group; the possibility of facing torture or cruel and unusual punishment if someone returns to their native country; and being able to prove that they have a fear of returning.
All of these factors need to be proven for an asylum case to be successful, but it can be difficult with a lack of evidence or documentation as well as due to the stress one experiences from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events.
Immigration attorneys understand this which is why they are best at what they do because they will assess each client individually to provide them with the most suitable outcome.
What Can You Expect from an Immigration Attorney?
You should expect your immigration lawyer to keep you up-to-date on your case by providing you with regular updates via phone calls, emails, or office visits. You should also expect your attorney to be able to advise you of the best course of action for your case as well as handle proceedings on your behalf.
The immigration lawyer you hire must have a thorough knowledge of immigration procedures and laws so that they can provide you with the most suitable outcome possible, no matter what your situation may be regarding deportation or removal from US soil.
Listening to Your Case
Listening is an important part of communication which is why your attorney must know how to listen so they can fully understand your case. This is important because it can help them provide you with more effective assistance, after all an informed client is a better client.
Listening to Your Needs
Your immigration attorney should be able to take the time to listen to what you need as well as your concerns regarding the legal proceedings of your case.
The best thing that you can do for yourself takes full advantage of their knowledge and expertise by listening closely throughout your sessions because this will ensure that you don’t miss anything important regarding the status of your case or how it may affect you in the future.
One-On-One Time
Finding time for one-on-one meetings with every single one of his or her clients would be impossible for most attorneys, which is why they will usually focus on one or two cases at a time.
This allows the criminal defense attorneys to focus all of their attention and energy on each case so that they can offer more comprehensive legal services.
Knowing Your Rights
Whenever you get pulled over by law enforcement officers such as police officers you have certain rights that need to be respected, even if you are in the country illegally. Knowing your rights will help ensure that how your case is handled does not violate any of them to provide you with greater peace of mind.
Once the immigration lawyers know everything there is to know about your situation they will be able to work harder for you when it comes down to making decisions regarding your future.
Since every case is different, the proceedings made will vary depending on your needs and requirements which is why you need someone with extensive knowledge to provide you with the most suitable outcome.
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