"Nikola Tesla was an immigrant. So were Jospeh Pulitzer and Albert Einstein and Igor Stravisky. Rational, compassionate immigration reform is needed so that the next Tesla's and Einstein's are not denied access to educational or entrepeneurial oppurtunities in the United States. The time has come." -John Greene
What is ICE?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are responsible for stopping illegal immigration. There jobs emphasis is on securing the nation's borders, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is expanding, as are other federal law enforcement agencies.
Why does this matter?
As Tamr Lapin says in his article ICE arrests 82 illegal immigrants in sweeps across New York,"More than 80 illegal immigrants were arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in New York over the past five days, officials said Thursday". ICE has been arresting people since the beginning of the summer and is sperating families because they are immigrants and deporting parents regardless of there kids. They are detaining them in camps, like they are animals which is inhumane.
Resources
Knowing your constitutional rights are very important and can save you from a terrible encounter, The 5th amendment is the "Rights of the accused - a person accused of a crime is entitled to certain rights". The 14th amendment is granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States—including former slaves and guaranteed all citizens “equal protection of the laws.” The 6th amendment "Right to a speedy trial by jury and a lawyer". The Fourth Amendment establishes the right “against unreasonable searches and seizures.”
There are so many resources that can get you a free lawyer if needed.The New York State Office for New Americans has a phone number to help and connect immigrants to legal advice that is hosted on weekends: 1-800-566-7636. "The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) is funded by the city and its a program that provides free immigration legal representation to all immigrants who have been detained/ caught by ICE and have their hearings in New York City. The three organizations that administer NYIFUP are the Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, and the Legal Aid Society (New York City Office). Individuals should only contact these organizations for free legal services if they have a loved one who is already in ICE detention or is expecting imminent transfer to ICE detention". – Brooklyn Defender Service: (718) 254-0700, Ext. 252 – Legal Aid Society: (844) 955-3425 – Bronx Defenders: (718) 838-7878
Link to article
Other Resources to Checkout
What is DACA?
The short story is that DACA has made a way for children and young adults who came to the United States with their parents to legally obtain a Social Security Number, driver’s license, enroll in college and work.
Considerations for LGBTQ Immigrants
LGBTQ immigrants have the same rights under most immigration laws as all other non-citizens. However there might be some challenges.
Red Card
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution (amedments like 5th,6th,and 14th). The Red Cards were created to help people get their rights and be able to defend themselves against violations. Knowing this information can help make rights that can make a huge difference in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.