Express deportations amid the pandemic

The arrival of the massive outbreak of Coronavirus prompted the Trump government to implement emergency measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, protect the health of the local population, and safeguard essential resources.

Several of these measures directly affect the immigration sector and the processes established for foreigners trying to cross the borders without legal documentation or prior authorization.

In fact, one of the most controversial issues in the US is express deportations that are taking place amid the health crisis.

Normally, immigrants who are detained by border forces are taken to detention centers around the country before initiating deportation processes and they have multiple options to appeal their case.

In the case of unaccompanied minors who arrive to the US without legal authorization, they are taken to centers of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). They remain in the custody of this entity until a local judge reviews their cases and orders the issuance of a legal residence permit or deportation.

However, during the health crisis, unaccompanied minors are also being deported almost immediately. Many times, even before crossing the country’s borders.

Do you have a Family Immigration Case? Motion Law can help you.

What is the threat to minors?

The reason why the US law protects minors, even if they do not have legal documentation, is precisely because they are more likely to be victims of violence, abuse, human trafficking, kidnapping, and gangs.

Therefore, deporting minors under the pretext of the health crisis has caused several Latin American countries to raise their voices and ask the US government to stop children deportations in the midst of the current juncture.

That is the case of Guatamela, who has reported that its shelters are running out of space for the number of minors they receive from the US.

The alarming situation of Guatemala’s children shelters

When minors are deported from the US to Guatemala, they are received by child shelters. They do the Coronavirus test and children must be in mandatory isolation for at least 10 days.

According to the latest official report, Guatemala’s shelters have enough space to house 115 children within their facilities. However, the US is deporting approximately 50 children per week.

In addition to that, the North American country only sends the medical certificates of 10% of deported children. However, the agreement with Guatemala declares that the US is committed to rule out possible cases of Coronavirus before deporting immigrants and to send the respective health certificates.

On the other hand, there are many occasions when Guatemalan shelters have no other option than to permanently take care of children because they cannot return to their homes for multiple reasons, either because they are victims of:

• Domestic violence.
• Abuse.
• Gang violence.
• Persecution.
• Negligence.

Therefore, the situation is increasingly aggravated for minors who are being deported in the midst of the health crisis.

It is essential for the US government to analyze possible solutions to take care of the health and life of immigrant minors, as well as prevent a massive outbreak of Coronavirus in more vulnerable territories such as Guatemala.

Family immigration cases

It is imperative to avoid illegal immigration at all costs. There are multiple processes that you can use to legally migrate with your family to the US.

In this way, by following the legal process, you can ensure a reliable future for your family and avoid precarious situations that may lead to deportation.

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.