Being deported from the United States can be a terrifying experience. Unfortunately, if you are an undocumented immigrant, you can be removed from the country even if your only crime was crossing the border without a visa. We all have read the stories about immigrants who came to the U.S. only to provide a better life for their families but were caught by ICE and put into deportation proceedings. In many instances, they lived in America for many years, contributing to their local communities. Many even have U.S.-born children. However, none of this stopped ICE from detaining and deporting them. That is why it is a wise idea to prepare just in case this might happen to you.
Here are some tips that will help you protect your family and assets:
- Dual Citizenship for Children
If you have U.S.-born children and would like to bring them with you to your native country, it is a good idea to register them as citizens of that country. This will make it easier for them to enroll in school and gain access to the health care system. In order to register your children as citizens of your home country, first make sure that this is allowed by the government. The U.S. allows its citizens to have dual citizenship so your children will not lose their U.S. citizenship but some countries might have stricter rules. Other countries, like Mexico, for example actually expedite the process when U.S.-born children of Mexican immigrants want to apply for Mexican citizenship in case their parents have to return home.
- Open a Bank Account
As an undocumented immigrant, you might be reluctant to open a bank account in the U.S. Unfortunately not having a bank account will not be helpful when you are deported. If all your money is stored as cash, you might not get the ability to collect it and bring it with you. With an ATM card, you will not lose your assets no matter where you end up as you can take it along with you and withdraw your money anywhere in the world. If you have family in the U.S., you should also ask the bank for a duplicate card so that your loved ones will be able to keep using the funds once you are gone.
- Have a Power of Attorney on Hand
If you are detained by ICE, it is extremely important to have an attorney help you. They have the knowledge and resources to help you resolve your case. You should also work with an attorney to prepare documents indicating who will have custody of your children if both parents are detained. Working with an attorney is very important to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.
- Keep Records
Keep good records of your immigration case. Do NOT get rid of any documents that have to do with your status in the U.S or your immigration case. Should the opportunity to return to the U.S. legally arise, those documents will help you prepare your case. In addition to keeping your immigration records, you should also maintain contact with your attorney and family members in the U.S. They will assist you with your return.
REMEMBER: Never give up hope! There is always a possibility that you will be able to return to the U.S. to realize your American Dream!
If you or someone you know is in danger of deportation, contact Attorney James A. Welcome today at (203) 806-7922 or jwelcome@welcomelawfirm.com. Attorney Welcome will work with you to come up with the best possible plan of action, and will use his expertise to defend your rights in court.