The future of 24,000 Georgians is uncertain now that the Obama-era program that shielded them from deportation has been rescinded. Earlier this month, it was announced that the Department of Homeland Security will no longer accept new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which gave eligible undocumented immigrants the right to live and work legally in the United States.
Current DACA recipients will not be affected until March 5, 2018, which means Congress has six months to pass new legislation, however, there is no guarantee Congress will act, and it is a certainty Congress won’t act BUT, any DACA recipient whose DACA expires before March 6, 2018, MUST file to extend their DACA by October 5, 2017. Do not wait until last day to get this done, because it will be too late.
If you are concerned that recent immigration enforcement will affect you or your family, contact Kuck Immigration Partners. Charles Kuck and his dedicated staff of immigration attorneys will compassionately represent your interests.
No matter what your immigration concerns are, we will help you navigate the immensely complicated U.S. immigration system. We have successfully handled tens of thousands of immigration matters over the past 27 years. Call 404-816-8611 to schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer in Atlanta.
Controversial 287(g) Immigration Enforcement Program Will Expand in Georgia
According to a report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a federal immigration enforcement program that gives police the authority to ask people about their immigration status and detain criminals for immigration violations will be expanding to two more counties in Georgia.
There are already four counties in Georgia that participate in the 287(g) program: Gwinnett, Whitfield, Cobb, and Hall. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson declined to specify which two counties will be participating in the program next.
President Trump issued an executive order in January that called for the expansion of the 287(g) program. At least 18 new counties began participating in the program in August, which brought the countrywide total to 60.
What Is the 287(g) Program?
Section 287(g) was added to the Immigration and Nationality Act as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. It gives the Director of ICE the authority to enter into agreements with local and state law enforcement agencies that allow officers to perform immigration law enforcement functions.
While supporters of the 287(g) program say it is effective for combating illegal immigration, opponents contend that it distracts law enforcement from focusing on more important criminal activities.
In February, the American Civil Liberties Union pointed out several civil rights violations and instances of racial discrimination among localities participating in the 287(g) program. The ACLU argued that the program should be discontinued nationwide due to rampant violations of constitutional and civil rights.
If you or a member of your family is facing deportation proceedings, or if you have questions about adjusting your immigration status, contact Kuck Immigration Partners. Charles Kuck is the past National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He has filed and won hundreds of asylum cases over the last 25 years and stays up to date on all recent changes to U.S. immigration laws.
Call 404-816-8611 to schedule a consultation with a green card attorney in Atlanta. You can learn more about U.S. immigration laws by visiting www.immigration.net
