Undocumented Migrants—and Those Who Help– Face Peril

The new administration has hit the ground running on the subject of deporting undocumented migrants, and they are pushing forward without looking back. What does it mean for individuals and/or families who share connections with these migrants, and for the migrants themselves?

Migrants: Know Your Rights 

In these dangerous times it is essential to know your rights. ICE agents across the country have been deployed to arrest anyone who lacks proper documentation, and while they claim to be targeting only criminals at this point, we know that many hard-working people who’ve never had a run-in with the law have also been swept up. Hundreds have already been sent out of the country, with many more to follow. Here’s what you should know:

• It is pointless to resist, argue, or obstruct officers;
• Never provide fake documents or lie to officers about your legal status;
• Remain silent until you have a lawyer with you;
• You are not required to let agents search you, your home, or your belongings unless officers have a warrant or other probable cause;
• Adults who do have papers would be wise to carry them always.
• Lawful Permanent Residents must answer questions about their residency and identity, but nothing else.
• Families with children should make plans in advance of a possible arrest for who will care for the kids.
• Memorize important phone numbers, including those of family members and your attorney.
• Memorize your immigration A number, and make sure family members and friends have it so they can locate you later.
• If ICE detains you, call your consulate.

Friends & Family Need to Know the Laws

According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), it is illegal to shield, conceal, or harbor anyone who has entered the country illegally. If you knowingly do so,and the court finds that your assistance was a substantial factor in an undocumented individual remaining in the country,  you could face significant fines and time behind bars. What constitutes harboring? It could be any form of providing the following:

• Shelter;
• Transportation;
• Protection;
• Help learning how to get false documentation;
• Warning undocumented persons about an upcoming investigation;
• Any assistance that facilitates one’s ability to reside in the U.S. illegally.

Legal Penalties 

Undocumented individuals are being rounded up and shipped out of the country. Those convicted of harboring such individuals in order to achieve financial gain face fines and up to ten years in prison for each person that is harbored. Anyone who does so with no intention of benefiting financially faces up to five years in prison for each harbored individual.  Fines may accompany either sentence.

The Criminal Defense You Deserve 

The dedicated and experienced Las Vegas criminal attorneys at Lobo Law always fight to protect your rights when facing criminal prosecution. To discuss your circumstances, schedule a confidential consultation in our Las Vegas office today.

Source:

aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights