Presidential Executive Order on Immigration
One of President Trump’s first executive orders, entitled “Presidential Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States,” came through in February 2017, causing a great deal of worry among current and prospective immigrants, as well as non-citizens traveling to and from the United States. Discord between various government departments about the enforceability of various aspects of the order created confusion as to how it would be implemented, if at all.
What Difference Does Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration Make?
Enforcement Priorities
Practically speaking, most of the directives contained in President Trump’s February executive order are similar to President Obama’s “enforcement priorities” regarding apprehension and deportation of undocumented immigrants. Under President Obama, immigration authorities were directed to focus their attention on removing illegal immigrants who had been convicted of criminal offenses of any kind. Under President Trump’s executive order, immigration officers are permitted to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants who are even suspected of criminal activity, including the crime of crossing the U.S. border illegally as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 275. An official criminal conviction is no longer necessary for deportation.
Securing a Twinsburg immigration attorney may be critical for undocumented immigrants who have received public government benefits, used a phony Green Card, lied or omitted important information on any immigration documents, or have otherwise committed any violation of United States immigration laws. If you are concerned that your history or criminal record may affect your immigration status, our criminal immigration lawyers can provide trustworthy counsel to help you work toward a solution.
Policing and Sanctuary Jurisdictions
Since the release of President Trump’s executive order, state and local officials have made headlines by declaring their states and cities sanctuary jurisdictions, in many cases amounting to an outright refusal to enforce the amped-up enforcement priorities, fines, and penalties outlined in the latest legislation. As of February 7, 2017, Ohio could become a sanctuary state. However, it is unclear how implementation of Trump’s executive order will trickle down into law enforcement and immigration policy in Twinsburg, Cleveland, or other Ohio locales.
Privacy for Non-U.S. Citizens
Under the February executive order, undocumented immigrants, Green Card holders, and other non-citizens residing in the U.S. are no longer given privacy rights when it comes to personal legal information. If deemed necessary for security purposes, your information may be disclosed without your express consent.
How to Protect Yourself After Trump’s Executive Order
If you are concerned about your immigration status or your personal safety after President Trump’s February executive order, one of the best things you can do is speak to someone who can help protect you. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers has collectively served internationals and prospective citizens in the Twinsburg and Cleveland areas for over 50 years, and we are prepared to help you. Regardless of your immigration status or concerns, we are prepared to help you work toward the best possible solution and put your mind at ease.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation or call us at (888) 491-8770.
