If you are a non-citizen, you’ll likely agree. America the great seems to have forgotten the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. In theory, the idea of a country accepting the tired and poor seeking to breathe free sounds wonderful. However, those words seem contrary to the truth. The United States is in the midst of a deportation crisis. Unfortunately, one that could change your life as you know it.

Just when we thought the climate toward immigrants in the US couldn’t get any more hostile, our political leaders have once again outdone themselves. This past week, our legislature proved that it would shut down the government than deal with DACA. Hanging in the balance are the lives of thousands of “dreamers”: innocent people who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own as children, and have since made a life here.

For many of these people, the United States is the only country they know. Despite the roots dreamers and their families have established in their communities, ICE is more empowered than ever to deport them. In fact, you just have to look at national headlines to learn of the fate of Jorge Garcia.

Surely, you know the story. Jorge’s parents brought him to the United States from Mexico when he was just ten years old. There is no dispute that the family was undocumented. However, that happened thirty years ago.  America is the only country that Jorge has known as an adult. Yet, last week he was deported to the land of his birth. His wife and children remain in the United States.

What Can You Do When Facing Deportation?

It has become increasingly difficult for undocumented immigrants to avoid deportation, regardless of the exemplary lives they’ve led here in the United States. Authorities seem more determined than ever to enforce the law to its fullest extent. Unfortunately, even those with legitimate green cards are now concerned about being asked to leave the country.

While the government decides the fate of over 11 million people, the only thing you can do is try to protect yourself and the people you care about. There are a variety of things you can do to manage better or alleviate the burden of deportation proceedings. Here are some suggestions:

• Do your best to put away funds that will assist your defense. If you are arrested for immigration reasons, you will be brought to a detention center. However, you may be able to buy some time before your hearing date.  The court will set the amount of the immigration bond, but you will need funds to secure one.
• Establish contact with family or loved ones from your country of origin. This may be difficult for many, as life in the US is the only life they’ve ever known. It will, however, make the transition less scary and uncertain, should you be forced to leave.
• Enlist the help of local immigration advocacy organizations to help you gain support. These groups will offer logistical and, in some cases, legal advice so you can at least prolong your stay in the US while you exhaust all your options. Meanwhile, you should talk to an experienced and qualified immigration attorney, as well.

Without question, the deportation crisis is very real. Your first consideration should be a plan that extends your stay in the United States. This is why it is crucial that you have funds on hand to arrange for an immigration bond in the event you are picked up by the authorities.

The longer you’re allowed to stay, the better a plan you can develop to make sure your family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of the unthinkable. Believe it or not, there are things you can do to empower yourself in a situation over which you feel you have no control.

Maintain Your Freedom

It’s tough to fight the battle against deportation when you’re facing confinement. When you’re charged with immigration-related charges, time is of the essence. Freedom Federal Bonding Agency offers convenient, affordable and flexible immigration bonds to those facing deportation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you preserve your freedom as you work to sort out this issue.