by admin | Nov 20, 2014 | Immigration, Legal Matters Discussed
President Obama’s immigration changes will affect Hispanics across the country, including Indiana. The move will finally promote practical solutions for undocumented immigrants living in our communities – solutions for illegal aliens working beside us in manufacturing, construction, farming, service industries, janitorial sectors, kitchens and health care facilities. (See WSJ article here.) Obama’s announcement looks to prevent deportation that will affect millions of immigrants- some being actively deported or living under threat of deportation. His move will also likely expand opportunities for families under the Dreamer program known as Deferred Action or DACA.
Politically, the action is a partisan flash point. But it is long overdue since Indiana and the country have waited because of a political stalemate too long. Both Republicans and Democrats maintain respectable concerns on the broad issues of border protection, national security and homeland welfare. We have lived under this floating tension for too long. To begin with, our Melting Pot society was developed by immigrants. The country’s legal, economic and social systems were installed by immigrants seeking a fair, cohesive society. More recently, even Republican Presidents broadened opportunities for undocumented immigrants. In 1986 the U.S. Congress and President Reagan enacted changes to protect family units by offering relief for both spouses and children of those covered by new laws. President H.W. Bush took similar measures to protect families in 1989. Going back to the World War II era, American presidents took executive action to initiate the controversial Bracero Program where Mexican laborers were authorized to provide work and support our country’s infrastructure.
Nationalism is healthy. It’s natural and understandable. As a country that will always have borders, patriotism is necessary. But it is also necessary to be mindful of the moral and ethical considerations attached to immigration issues; mindful of the historical benefits produced by immigrants; mindful that immigration issues will always affect our country – they are not going to disappear.
Goodin Abernathy and Legalmente Hablando Indy passionately serve the Indiana immigrant population with our legal services. Attorney Jim Browne is the product of America’s immigration process. Attorney Emma Mahern is married to an immigrant. Our immigration services provide dependable, cost effective legal help across Indiana and we applaud the President’s efforts addressing these issues.
by Jim Browne | Nov 20, 2014 | Immigration, Legal Matters Discussed, Personal Injury
There are many (including me!) who are excited for the announcement by President Obama tonight about executive action on immigration. Although several news networks are reporting more details, nothing is official yet. The best way to know the details of the program is to see the announcement at 8:00 pm when they will transmit on several TV stations and online. While we await the announcement many want to know what they can do to prepare.
We have prepared a list of 5 things you SHOULD do and 5 things NOT to do to prepare:
YOU SHOULD:
1) Stay informed by reliable news networks and watch the president’s announcement tonight at 8:00 pm.
2) Begin to collect and organize your personal documents-if you think that maybe you will be able to benefit under the program announced by the President, you should take steps to secure your important documents.
Examples of important documents are records of school, work and tax records, medical records, rental agreement, mortgage, copies of bills for gas, electricity, water, telephone. Save any document that has your name, date, and shows your presence here–mail that has come over the years, information from purchase or money transfers, or other personal records.
3) Start saving money-we do not know what would be the fee with immigration services to apply for benefits-but we know that there will be a cost. Start saving money to be prepared!
4) Obtain identification-if you do not have a photo ID– such as a passport from your country of origin or a consular identification (e.g. a Matricula for Mexicans) you must take steps to obtain one. Based on experience not having a photo ID can delay any immigration process.
5) Start to organize information in your own mind–making a list of important dates (like when you arrived, when you left the country, dates you’ve had contact with immigration, etc.) and a list of addresses where you have lived. We do not know exactly what they will ask in the application for experience often these questions are the hardest to answer for clients. If you think you will need to talk to friends or family to get this information can begin to gather this information.
DO NOT:
1) Put your trust anyone who says that has contact with immigration officials and can begin the process now. Nobody knows exactly what the president will say tonight, and after tonight we will not yet have the details of how and when you can apply. Do not pay anyone before the program details are clear.
2) Arrange anything with anyone who is a “notary” and not an attorney or agent approved by immigration. We have seen many sad cases where the work of someone who does not know all the risks takes steps that result in bad consequences for the client that are difficult to fix.
3) Put yourself in situations that could result in arrest. Through reports and experience we know that you will see requirements connected with your criminal record. Try not to jeopardize that if you can help!
4) Lying or providing false documents to immigration or your lawyer-that can cause more problems than it solves. Please openly discuss with your lawyer about any criminal or immigration problem that you had BEFORE starting any process with immigration because this information is important to resolve your situation.
5) Do NOT hesitate to contact us with your questions! We are forever grateful to serve the Hispanic community. Call us at 317-574-3090.
by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Immigration, Legal Matters Discussed
Yesterday, November 13, 2014 several news networks posted information obtained from sources in the capital. Here are the most important developments today (photo courtesy of MSN/AP Wire):
1) The New York Times newspaper reported that it had information that the Obama administration will extend deferred action to include people who have children who are citizens or residents. It is also considering giving some benefit to farm workers, according to the article.
2) The network FOX News reported that it obtained a copy of a “10-point plan.” The 10 points include deferred action for parents of children who are residents or citizens, extending the provisional waivers for spouses and children of permanent residents, and make changes to the Secure Communities program that connects fingerprint system of local police and officers immigration. For now the document is only identified as proposed.
3) There were reports that perhaps the President could take action before November 21; But Univision is reporting a source in the White House has said the President’s plans are not yet finalized.
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