It seems to happen all too regularly. Week after week, the media is filled with some new reason that immigrants need to worry. As the climate gets increasingly hostile toward legal and undocumented immigrants in the United States, every move by the current government represents a new threat to you and your family. The latest involves yet another group of individuals who are losing protected status.
Are you already among those who need to be concerned? Approximately 2,500 Nicaraguans who have legally lived and worked in the country for decades recently learned they are no longer welcome there. Last Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke announced that the President has ended temporary legal residency and deportation relief for thousands of immigrants from Nicaragua. The program is officially terminated as of January 5, 2019.
Some may scramble to see if they can become permanent residents. Meanwhile, many will go underground to avoid deportation. There’s a reason people emigrate to the United States. With this new threat, the prospect of winding up in a detention center is a reality.
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows immigrants from certain countries affected by an emergency to reside, secure employment, and travel in and outside of the United States for the duration of the crisis without fear of being deported. As you may already know, Nicaragua is one of the countries that was allowed this protection.
What circumstances qualify for TPS? Natural disasters are top on the list. For example, devastation from hurricanes or earthquakes that make living conditions difficult could be one qualification. Countries involved in combat or experiencing an outbreak of disease may also be a consideration.
TPS has been critical in helping immigrants affected by emergencies. In particular, it is has been beneficial to those facing human rights violations or natural disasters. The Temporary Protected Status has allowed them to build a stable life for themselves in the United States.
Why All Immigrants Should Worry
This week it was Nicaragua, next week it could be El Salvador; the week after that, it could be Haiti; the week after that, it could be Honduras. Unfortunately, it’s a sad but true reality.
The Department of Homeland Security opted to cancel the program because they said Nicaraguans who currently enjoy protected status no longer needed relief from “substantial but temporary conditions. ” Nearly twenty years ago, Nicaraguans became eligible for the program as a result of a hurricane that ravaged the Central American country.
The reality is that protections for all immigrants are getting weaker and weaker, including the end of DACA. It may only be a matter of time before you or someone you care about has to choose between risking detention and deportation and starting from scratch in another country.
Meanwhile, there is the fear that comes with even stepping into a detention center. Assuredly, you need to set up a plan if you become a victim of changing immigration laws. This may start with ensuring you have funds set aside to at least secure your temporary removal from confinement. You will need to find a means to invest in an immigrant bond.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
In a country that’s becoming less and less predictable, you can’t afford to be caught off guard. Freedom Federal Bonding Agency offers affordable immigration bonds in Texas. Contact us today if you or a loved one is detained on immigration charges.