A U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan could be deported to Mexico despite his service to this country. Miguel Perez, Jr. stated that he mistakenly believed the oath he took to protect the United States when entering the military granted him citizenship. His petition to be granted citizenship retroactive to the beginning of his military service has been denied by immigration officials, clearing the way for his immediate deportation from this country.
Conviction Used as Grounds for Deportation
Perez was convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 2008 and served half of a 15-year sentence before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials took him into custody. He is currently being held in Wisconsin pending deportation to Mexico. This sets a dangerous precedent for other immigrants who have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces and demonstrates that their military records offer no real protection against deportation for these individuals.
A Pattern of Aggressive Enforcement
ICE has shown a willingness to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants for even the most minor offenses. Immigration officials have taken people into custody for traffic offenses and appearing in court as witnesses. These activities have created stress and fear among the immigrant community and have reduced their ability to pursue the American dream in the Miami area. Seeking the help and support of a qualified Miami immigration lawyer can often provide added help in dealing with these issues in a proactive way.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
For families in our area, working with an established Miami immigration lawyer can be the best defense against adverse actions by ICE that could threaten your ability to remain in this country legally. Your attorney can help you identify a pathway to citizenship for yourself and your family members. This can help you to avoid deportation proceedings by ICE and can provide you with added confidence and comfort when dealing with your daily responsibilities.
Choosing a Miami immigration lawyer from Pozo Goldstein can help you navigate the complexities of the visa and citizenship processes. We have the proven experience and knowledge needed to represent your case aggressively and to help you protect your legal rights in this country. Our team includes two former immigration prosecutors and a former judge, which provides us with the depth of expertise needed to handle your immigration case. Call us today at 305-856-0400 to schedule a consultation with us. We look forward to the chance to provide you with the best representation possible for your situation.