Legal Experts Criticize New Deportation Notices in U.S. Immigration Courts
New fliers urging immigrants to self-deport have sparked concern among legal professionals, who argue that the Trump administration’s latest move may infringe on immigrants’ rights. These notices, available in both English and Spanish, have been spotted in various immigration courts and detention centers across the country.
Amelia Dagen, a staff attorney with the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, expressed worry over the implications of the fliers. “The point is very clear, which is to have people leave without any process or without knowing all their rights,” she stated. Dagen emphasized that the fliers omit critical information about legal proceedings, access to assistance, and immigrants’ rights.
The Amica Center, alongside other legal aid organizations, provides support to both adults and children navigating the immigration process. According to materials shared by the center, immigrants who opt to self-deport may retain any earnings made in the U.S., might receive help with travel expenses, and could potentially apply for legal immigration in the future.
Dagen first noticed these posters in Pennsylvania immigration courtrooms in April. That same month, the administration announced the closure of two federally-funded programs that enabled pro-bono attorneys to offer legal guidance to detained immigrants.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association has since confirmed the presence of these fliers in courtrooms nationwide and in detention centers, including those in Arizona. Dagen reported instances where the materials were distributed directly to migrants post-court proceedings, including an asylum seeker who received one after being granted asylum.
“This is actually not a right, to ‘self-deport,’ there are other materials, like what is asylum? How do you know if you’re eligible for that and how to apply. What is bond?” Dagen explained, highlighting the lack of guaranteed access to such essential information for immigrants.
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