Florida residents might have heard about the case of a man who was deported to Mexico after living in the United States for 30 years. He was brought to the country by his uncle as a 10-year-old. The man, who lived in Michigan with his American wife and children, had been trying to resolve his immigration status since the couple married in 2002.
The first attorney filed the wrong paperwork, and this brought the man to the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The man’s removal was ordered, but he was granted a stay several times by ICE during the Obama administration while his case was in process. However, once the Trump administration came into office, he was ordered to go. In a statement, ICE said that while it had previously chosen to not pursue the case, any immigrant violating the laws was subject to arrest, detention and removal.
The family says they do not expect to see him again for at least a year and a half. They will first need to get him an appointment with the consulate in Mexico. However, the case could take years to resolve, and he might never be allowed back into the country.
People who are facing removal because of immigration status might want to consult an attorney. There may be ways that they can remain in the country. For example, they might be eligible for asylum. If a loved one has been taken to a detention center or another facility, family members might want to speak to an attorney to find out what their next steps should be.
