Immigration debates have taken a new turn as law enforcement officials raise alarms about the deportation of immigrants involved in crime investigations. Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar, alongside other local leaders, voices concerns that the deportation of U-visa applicants could undermine public safety.
The U-visa offers limited numbers of temporary legal status and work permits to immigrant victims of specific crimes who aid law enforcement. Despite its potential benefits, the application process is lengthy and hampered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services backlogs, explains Tucson immigration attorney Mo Goldman.
Goldman highlights a significant risk: applying for the U-visa could inadvertently expose immigrants to the Department of Homeland Security, potentially leading to deportation. “Right now, there’s really no way to fight that scenario because the ICE attorneys are under pretty strict orders to fight these cases and deport people,” he stated.
Historically, U-visa applicants were not usually targeted for deportation during the process, and past administrations often paused removal proceedings. However, Goldman notes an uptick in such cases under the current administration, prompting him to caution clients about the risks of sharing their information with the government.
In a recent press release, Chief Kasmar emphasized the importance of the U-visa in building community trust. “For us in the field, U-visas play a key role in fostering trust within immigrant communities, since they represent an opportunity to protect victims of crime who lack legal status,” he said. “When immigrants feel safe in reporting crimes, it strengthens the community’s safety.”
Kasmar, along with Chris Magnus, former head of the Tucson Police Department and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, are part of the Leaders of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force. This coalition of over 150 officers from more than 30 states is actively discussing the impact of deportations on community safety.
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