Summary
Some immigrants trying to get green cards have been arrested by ICE during their interviews. These arrests happen as immigrants attempt to legalize their status in the U.S., often leaving family members upset and detainees in custody. The practice is causing fear and uncertainty among immigrants and the lawyers representing them.
Key Facts
- ICE has been arresting some immigrants at green card interviews instead of them getting approval for legal status.
- A San Diego case involved an immigrant who overstayed a tourist visa and was arrested after his green card petition was approved.
- In Cleveland, a similar arrest happened to an immigrant who was in the U.S. for 25 years with a removal order, despite her petition being approved.
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association has tracked several dozen cases of such arrests but there's no official count from ICE or USCIS.
- USCIS offices sometimes notify ICE when a person of interest comes in for an interview.
- The Trump administration states that overstaying a visa is a violation that can lead to deportation.
- These actions have caused fear among undocumented immigrants, deterring them from applying for legal status.
