Seeking Change in Immigration Policy
Police and city officials have joined forces to change an immigration policy that they say endangers victims of domestic abuse and provides significant disincentives for these individuals to contact law enforcement. The mayor of Gainesville, Florida, has called for a change to the city’s policy, which briefly states that police officers must write down names and addresses of foreign nationals with whom they come in contact. They are then required to turn over this information to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In some cases, this could discourage victims of crimes from reporting these incidents to police.
A Chilling Effect
According to Mayor Lauren Poe and the police department of Gainesville, keeping this policy in place could damage the ability of law enforcement to protect those most vulnerable to exploitation in society. By releasing not only the names of those charged with crimes but also their victims and any witnesses who are suspected of being in this country illegally, individuals who report criminals could be deported in return for their actions. This could erode the fragile trust between immigrants and law enforcement and could lead to fewer reports and more instances of abuse and exploitation among undocumented immigrants in the state of Florida.
Finding Help When You Need It
Contacting a Miami immigration lawyer can provide real help for immigrants who may need assistance in resolving their visa status or with other legal issues. These dedicated legal professionals can take steps to protect you and your family while ensuring that you are protected from abuse and exploitation. By retaining the services of a qualified Miami immigration lawyer, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and can ensure that your case is resolved as quickly as possible to allow you to remain in the U.S. legally. This can reduce the chance of a negative encounter with ICE agents now and in the future.
At Pozo Goldstein, we are absolutely committed to providing the best representation for our clients. Our team of Miami immigration lawyers includes a former judge and two former immigration prosecutors. This added degree of expertise allows us to provide you with the most assertive and effective representation in ICE proceedings and in helping you resolve your visa status to remain in the U.S. legally. Give us a call today at 305-856-0400 to schedule your initial consultation in our Miami office. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your family.