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Despite best efforts, deportation remains a possibility for thousands of Orlando immigrants. At The Law Offices of Gail Seeram, we often share this advice with our clients, “Plan for the worst, but pray for the best.”

This advice serves as a reality check for our clients who may be doing everything that is required of them to remain in the United States, but still have a chance of being deported. The sad fact is that the USA’s current approach to immigration is much more heavy-handed and severe than ever before, and immigration attorneys and their clients must be prepared to accept deportation orders.

In this post, I want to share some advice that can be used to help prepare individuals and families for the realities of deportation.

Who Is At Risk Of Being Deported?

Those most at risk of being deported are:

  • Visitors who are in the country illegally.
  • Visitors and non-immigrants who are here on an expired visa or I-94
  • Visitor or green card holders who have a criminal history or recent conviction.
  • Anyone who has been ordered by a judge to leave the country but has not complied.

Remember, you can be deported even if you are here legally; don’t let your legal immigration status lull you into a false sense of security. If you violate any of the terms of your Green Card or Visa or commit a crime on U.S. soil, you can be deported.

Develop A Plan With A Trusted Contact

The first step of your deportation plan is to identify a trusted contact in the United States and work with that person to create your deportation plan. Your deportation plan should include:

  • Access to Documentation. Give your trusted contact access to all of your documentation and paperwork such as passports, green cards, birth certificates, visas, etc. This may require the contact to have a spare set of keys to your home or safety deposit box. This access is necessary so that if you are apprehended, you have someone who can help you access your documents.

 

  • Access to Bank Accounts. Make the trusted contact a signatory on your bank accounts. This will allow the contact to access funds to pay for an immigration attorney or to send you money if you are deported.

 

  • Plans for Your Children. If you have children, you should execute a guardianship document. This document will give the designated guardian the legal authority to make health and welfare decisions on behalf of your children if you are deported. Keep this document with your other important paperwork.

 

  • A Will. A will is particularly important if you have children or assets. The will should establish who will receive custody of your children if you die and how your assets should be distributed upon your death.

Contact Orlando Immigration Attorney Gail Seeram With Deportation Questions

As much as I hate to say it, deportations are up. They are real. They are affecting legal and illegal U.S. immigrants. Even so, you are not powerless. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and your family from the impact of deportation. If you need help mounting deportation defense, developing a deportation plan, or just have questions about deportation, The Law Offices of Gail Seeram is here to help you.

I have been practicing immigration law for over 20 years and have been named Best Lawyer for Immigration in Orlando every year since 2016. Contact us at Gail@GailLaw.com, start a chat session at https://myorlandoimmigrationlawyer.com, or call or text 407-292-7730 to discuss your situation.