What Implications Do Elections Have for Immigrants?

It’s a good practice to stay informed about the political environment of the place where is intended to establish a life, especially in immigration matters.

For immigrants too, it’s important to pay attention to elections, as they bring changes in the immigration scope.

All elections are important for immigrants, both because of the changes in immigration matters they bring and because it’s a time when some consider the country to be in an economic crisis or nearing one.

A crisis is relevant not only because of the variation in prices of goods and services, such as gasoline or food, but also because expenses, in general, increase while wages remain the same. When these facts start to occur, some consider it to be an economic crisis.

It’s during elections that those who believe that a particular administration isn’t doing enough for the public interest vote for a different party.

It’s a good practice, for immigrants as well, to stay alert. During elections, there’s usually an emphasis on immigration issues, sometimes suggesting stricter policies to limit immigration; at times, not only aiming to limit illegal immigration but also devising strategies to limit legal immigration.

For immigration lawyers, this also poses a challenge because with the change of administration, the way cases are processed also changes.

What do elections mean for the immigrant community?

Sometimes, when politicians are trying to show they’re doing something to limit immigration and punish those living in the United States illegally, something that can start to happen is raids.

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How to prepare for a raid?

In case of facing a raid, especially if you don’t yet have documents proving legal status, it’s recommended to have evidence that such documents are being processed.

This is not a guarantee that you won’t be arrested or that you’re fully protected; however, having evidence that the documents are in process can help, especially in certain types of cases.

For example, if you’re in the process of obtaining documents through one of the Humanitarian Visas, such as the VAWA Visa; having the pre-approval sheet for the case can help.

If you have a Work Permit, it’s advisable to carry it with you, as well as any documentation that can help an Immigration Lawyer represent you: prepare a package and have it on hand in case of contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Therefore, if you have evidence that you’re in the process of immigration documents and you don’t yet have any document proving legal status, it’s recommended to carry such evidence with you at all times.

If you have a way to initiate an immigration process, it’s advisable to do so. This is because it’s unknown what will happen in immigration matters when the administration changes, as new strategies to limit immigration may arise.

For immigrants, these changes can imply difficulties, as certain immigration procedures become limited.

It’s recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer if you have a way to obtain documents proving legal status, as the changes that elections will bring in immigration matters are unknown.