US Green Card Interviews Turn into Arrests: Immigration Attorneys Sound Alarm

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A disturbing trend has emerged in the US immigration system, with immigration attorneys warning that green card interviews can now lead to arrest. According to reports, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started detaining individuals during green card interviews at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices, targeting those who have overstayed their visas. Immigration attorneys like Saman Nasseri and Charles Kuck have spoken out about this practice, which affects even individuals with no criminal history who entered the US lawfully. Nasseri reported that five of his clients, spouses of US citizens, were detained last week during standard green card interviews, all of whom had no prior arrests or criminal history. The detentions appear to be concentrated in the San Diego USCIS office, with attorney Habib Hasbini noting that this is not a widespread practice in other areas. However, he cautions that those with upcoming green card interviews should still attend their scheduled appointments, while preparing for the possibility of arrest. ICE has defended its actions, stating that it is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws and prioritizing national security, public safety, and border security. However, critics argue that this practice is overly aggressive and can have devastating consequences for families. Those who are in the country illegally may be arrested, detained, and deported in accordance with US immigration law. While ICE offers resources like the CBP Home app to assist with the process, self-deportation remains the safest choice for those living in the US illegally. As the situation continues to unfold, immigration attorneys are urging individuals to be aware of their rights and to seek guidance from qualified professionals. With the green card interview process now fraught with uncertainty, those seeking to become US citizens must navigate this complex landscape with caution.