Immigrants living in the United States may hope to remain here indefinitely. Many immigrants aspire to become citizens or at least permanent residents. Unfortunately, not all immigrants meet the legal standards to remain in the country.
Some people fail to renew their visas or green cards. Others may commit criminal acts that make them ineligible for continued residence in the United States. If federal authorities determine that an immigrant does not have legal authorization to stay in the country, they may initiate removal proceedings.
The family members of an immigrant facing removal often want to support them through that process. How can people assist those facing removal?
Explain the process
Especially if there’s a language barrier, the immigrant at risk of removal may not understand what to expect. Explaining the process, which begins with legal service and culminates with a hearing in front of a judge, can be valuable. Explaining that an immigrant has the right to defend themselves and to present evidence at their hearing in front of an immigration judge can be helpful. They can even arrange for witnesses to testify.
If the hearing does not end in their favor, they could also pursue an appeal. Ensuring that they understand they have a right to legal representation and to translation services if necessary can also be beneficial. People who learn about the process may be less fearful about fighting to remain in the country.
Offer practical support
If there is a language barrier, concerned family members can offer to provide translation support when communicating with lawyers and other parties. They can also offer to assist with the process of researching lawyers who can provide representation and retaining their services. In some cases, immigrants may need practical support in the form of child care or financial assistance.
Even those facing removal from the United States have a right to due process. Understanding what happens during removal attempts can be beneficial for those who want to support their immigrant family members.
Exploring how removal proceedings might impact their daily life by interfering with their work or ability to fulfill family obligations can be beneficial. People can potentially identify ways in which they can offer valuable support to their loved ones. Immigrants facing removal can sometimes prevail and remain in the United States with the right support.