Criminalization of immigration

The US often opens its doors for immigrant communities from around the world, and multiculturalism has always been one of the most positive aspects of the nation’s values.

However, the current administration of the US, headed by President Donald Trump, has a fairly conservative and strict stance when it comes to the immigration sector, especially illegal immigration.

Thus, over the past three and a half years, the Trump administration has implemented multiple changes to immigration policies, and requirements have also increased considerably for foreigners who wish to come to the country.

In fact, on many occasions, President Trump has connected immigration to the country’s crime rate and this has undoubtedly contributed to 42% of American citizens still linking crime to immigration, a premise that has been contradicted by the results of multiple studies recently conducted.

The Trump administration plans to increase DNA and biometric data collection

Due to the Trump administration’s stance when it comes to immigration, it has increased the collection of DNA and biometric data, mainly with foreigners who try to cross borders without prior authorization and are detained by border forces.

The current administration proposed this strategy quite some time ago. For instance, in March 2020, the Trump government planned to collect DNA from undocumented immigrants to be stored in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) databases in order to recognize foreigners who participate in crimes within the US.

After that, in early September 2020, the Trump administration stated that most immigration processes would be subject to the collection of biometric data such as eye scans, facial photographs and voice printing.

Contact Motion Law if you have any questions regarding your immigration case.

Federal agencies are already collecting DNA at the borders and during operations

Immigrant DNA collection at the borders is scheduled for December 2020 nationwide. However, in some areas of the country, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have already started the collection of DNA from undocumented immigrants detained at the borders, including minors. In addition to that, border forces plan to implement this strategy during immigrant detention operations around the US.

This is the case in Michigan and Ohio, where the Detroit-based ICE office has increased DNA collection in recent weeks in these states.

This genetic information is sent to the FBI, which normally removes the DNA from its database “if cases are overturned, or if charges are dismissed, acquitted or not brought in a timely manner.”

It is important to clarify that DNA collection is mainly for immigrants who try to cross the borders without legal documentation or who have criminal records.

Motion Law’s Blog section keeps you up to date with immigration news.

Legal immigration is the right path

The Trump administration mainly plans to curb illegal immigration. However, if you follow guidelines established in immigration legal processes, you will surely receive a positive response for your application.

One of the main recommendations, even more so now during times of crisis, is to have the constant accompaniment of experts on immigration matters, who can help you choose the process that suits your current immigration needs.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.