ICE Arrests Military Spouses at Green Card Interviews, Leaving Families in Shock
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A disturbing trend has emerged in San Diego, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been arresting foreign-born spouses of U.S. citizens during their final green-card interviews at the local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. The shocking arrests have left families reeling, including those with newborns and the wife of a Navy veteran. According to immigration lawyers, none of the arrested individuals had a criminal record and had completed necessary background checks and documentation for their marriage-based green card applications. However, ICE cited 'visa overstay' as the reason for the arrests, despite the fact that the individuals had already passed preliminary background and security checks. This sudden 'policy shift' has left immigration lawyers and advocates questioning the motives behind ICE's actions. Critics argue that the arrests undermine decades of practice and disregard humanitarian and moral obligations, particularly for long-established families. A class-action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, challenging ICE's detention of immigrants who have complied with all prior hearings and court orders. The lawsuit argues that such re-detention without new crimes or warnings violates constitutional due-process rights. Immigrant-rights organisations and legal aid groups are urging anyone with green-card interviews scheduled at USCIS offices, especially in San Diego, to consult attorneys and be aware of potential enforcement action. The law allows spouses of American citizens who entered the country lawfully to adjust their status, even if their tourist/business visa has expired during the lengthy green-card process. However, ICE's actions seem to contradict this law, leaving many questioning the agency's commitment to upholding immigration law. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the impact of these arrests will be felt by families across the country, and it's essential to ensure that the rights of immigrants are protected.
