With the number of people here in Florida and throughout the country who find themselves detained by the federal government regarding immigration issues, it would make sense that they be given access to legal assistance. However, despite the need for a deportation defense, this does not happen. It is up to the individuals to seek out the help they need even though many of them are minor children separated from their parents.
Reports indicate that a judge in at least one immigration court is giving advice to those who appear before her. In one example, a teenager originally stated that he was willing to go back to his country of origin, but upon further inquiry this did not turn out to be the case. The judge denied his request to be deported after finding out that the boy’s father had talked to him and told him it was okay to go home even though the teen still feared for his life.
At last report, the teen was still housed at Casa Padre in Texas. This location has come under scrutiny lately because it houses children separated from their parents under the current administrations instructions. The teen would rather remain at this location than face deportation. This situation is not an isolated incident.
Florida residents who have loved ones in detention centers may read stories such as this one and wonder how they can help their loved ones. It may be possible to avoid deportation, but that may require receiving assistance in forming a deportation defense. Help is available, but it will more than likely be up to those outside the detention center to obtain it.
