There are many benefits to being an immigrant in Louisiana, but for some people it can also bring a lot of uncertainties. U.S. immigration law may feel like it is undergoing constant changes and enforcement is not always uniform. However, this does not mean that individuals do not have options even when they are facing removal.
On April 8, 2019, officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a man while he was on his way to work. The man is a widower whose wife died in combat while deployed to Afghanistan back in 2010. The couple had one daughter who is now 12 years old. Although he was an undocumented immigrant, he was allowed to stay in the United States through a program called parole in place. This allows undocumented military families to remain in the country at least temporarily.
ICE claimed that he had an order for deportation after he failed to make a hearing in 2018, but he says he was never given any notice for a hearing. He apparently had no idea there was an order for his deportation until his arrest. However, a judge reviewed the man’s case and ultimately reversed that order. He returned home shortly after.
Navigating U.S. immigration law can be quite challenging. Many immigrants want to do their very best to comply with the law and to appear in court when necessary, but missing out on important details and dates is easier than most people realize. Immigrants in Louisiana are well advised to pay careful attention to the details of their cases and may want to seek out guidance when necessary.