Recent Changes in Federal Immigration Policy: An Update from Catholic Migration Services
On February 17, 2017 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released two memos that detailed major changes to the current interior and border enforcement policies. There is still a lot that is unclear at this time and we expect more changes, but wanted to highlight the following priorities and what you can do to be prepared.
The President’s Priorities for Removing Immigrants Present in the United States
In the memos, DHS listed the following categories of immigrants within the country, including some who currently have a lawful status, as priority for removal:
Persons with any criminal conviction(s);
Persons with pending criminal charges;
Persons who have “committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense”;
Persons believed by immigration officers to pose a threat to public safety or national security;
Persons who have a final order of removal;
Persons who have engaged in fraud/ misrepresentation in applications to government, or who have “abused” public benefits (this could include those who have used a fake Social Security Number); and
Those who are undocumented
We are not clear as to who would fall into some of these categories and expect to receive more information over the next couple of months. While this list of priorities does cast a wide net, please keep in mind that the current infrastructure may not allow the administration to significantly increase the rate of arrest/deportation. Additionally, most people still have a right to have their case heard in front of an Immigration Judge.
We are doing our best to keep people informed of policy changes and have been conducting Know Your Rights trainings in various churches and community centers in Brooklyn and Queens. These sessions are open to the public:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TRAINING SESSION
Tuesday, April 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Scalabrini Center for Migrant Families
St. Joseph Patron Church
1080 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn NY11221
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Catholic Migration Services at (718) 236-3000 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To speak to our “Immigration Attorney on Call” dial extension 203 between 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. All are encouraged to visit our website for future updates, training sessions and workshops at www.catholicmigration.org.
Citizenship
We provide legal assistance for green card holders who wish to become American citizens regardless of residence.
To register for our upcoming workshop or any other naturalization services, please call (718) 236-3000.
CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP
Saturday, May 20th at 9:00 a.m.
Catholic Migration Services
191 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Additional Services
Additional Services For Immigrants include Family Reunification, Asylum & Humanitarian Relief, and Deportation Defense.
Additional Services For Workers include Wage Theft, Unsafe Conditions & Workplace Injuries, Workplace Discrimination & Harassment. Contact Línea Laboral / Immigrant Workers’ Rights Program at (877) 52-LABOR (52267)
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Printable copies of this information are available in English and in Spanish.
