Immigration Law Blog | Stacer, PLC

Holland woman accused of scheme targeting undocumented immigrants

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in Crimes and Immigration on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

In a particularly targeted and allegedly heinous scheme, a former Holland woman has been accused of ripping off undocumented immigrants. According to reports, the woman faces 7 criminal counts in Michigan Western District federal court, including one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, several counts of wire fraud and two counts of false personation of a U.S. official. The scheme was several years long and included attempts to target immigrants looking for U.S. citizenship. She claimed to be a person who could help aid immigrants in their process of seeking and attaining citizenship.

However, the woman has no ties to the Department of Homeland Security and is not an attorney like she allegedly claimed. She told hopeful citizens that she could 'fast track' their applications for citizenship. In certain cases, she is accused of claiming that she could conceal criminal history from immigration authorities. In return for her services, she amassed over $75,000 from hopeful immigrants looking to become citizens.

Public charge rule may make drastic changes

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in Immigration Law on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

The federal government issued a proposed rule that may lead to the rejection of more immigrants or make immigrants and their families reject government benefits. Expansion of the public charge rule could have a dramatic impact on immigration law enforcement.

The public charge provision was enacted in the Immigration Act of 1882. A public charge, who may be denied admission, is defined as someone who is primarily dependent on government assistance when it provides over half of their income.

Michigan eliminates driver responsibility fees

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

There is now one less thing that Michigan drivers need to worry about in connection to traffic tickets. This is due to the recent elimination of driver responsibility fees in the state.

These were special fees that drivers could sometimes face in relation to traffic violations. They were instituted back in 2003.

What to say – and not to say – to immigration officers

On behalf of Stacer, PLC on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

The state of immigration law and policy in the United States is in a continued state of flux, causing worries and fears for many non-citizens. For those living in Michigan, a prominent concern is that one interaction with immigration law enforcement officers can change your life forever.

When it comes to interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other law enforcement officers, it is important to know what to expect. A confrontation or detainment does not have to mean the end of your time living in the country by any means. Consider some of the important talking points, and ones to avoid, when interacting with law enforcement regarding your immigration status.

Immigrants promised citizenship, now discharged by U.S. Army

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in u.s. immigration law on Monday, July 16, 2018.

Immigrants recruited to serve in the U.S. Army were recently discharged and told they are no longer eligible to serve. The group of about 40 legal immigrants had joined the military as part of a Department of Defense program.

According to NPR, the program was called Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), and it offered these recruits an expedited path to U.S. citizenship. These foreign recruits were valued for their special skills in languages and medical training. Those allowed to enroll in MAVNI had student visas or were seeking asylum from their home countries.

The Einstein Visa: what is it and how did Melania Trump get one?

On behalf of Stacer, PLC on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Immigrating to the United States can pose many challenges. And for immigrants whose second language is English, it can be confusing trying to figure out the necessary qualifications of immigrant visas.

Many want to know what type of employment history they need to have to qualify for an immigrant visa. And while you may not be well versed in the all of the eligible employment categories- you've likely heard of at least one - persons with extraordinary abilities. This is because first lady Melania Trump entered the United States on an EB-1 visa otherwise known as the 'Einstein' visa.

What the Miranda warning means for immigrants

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in blog on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

Within the U.S. borders, every person has the right to due process of the law. As we stated in a previous blog post, many protections in the constitution apply to Michigan immigrants. This includes a fair trial and appropriate police conduct during criminal investigations.

One well-known part of due process is the Miranda warning, which you may have heard during an arrest in American crime dramas. This mainly describes the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

What is credible fear?

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in blog on Monday, October 30, 2017.

To say immigration law is complicated is an understatement. There are many categories for entry and the right to stay in the country legally—just as there are many cases where deportation occurs. One term that comes up is “credible fear.” At its core, credible fear means that an immigrant’s safety is in jeopardy if they return to their home country.

Of course, there are many different definitions when it comes to threats and security. When war ravages a country, immigrants become refugees because their home is destroyed or their people are persecuted. However, there are domestic level safety issues as well, such as human trafficking, gang violence or domestic violence. Women and children are historically more vulnerable in these cases, where returning home might expose them to further harm.

Appeals court rules that children cannot be indefinitely detained

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in blog on Thursday, July 27, 2017.

Immigration rights are a contentious issue in the United States. Individual rights are a key issue in most arrests, and that is no different when the charges are for illegal entry into the county. When children or minors are involved, it’s even more complicated.

A recent ruling by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California has overruled existing laws about detaining minors. The decision begins with a 1997 lawsuit and was reexamined in court this year over the detention of a 16 year-old boy who had entered the country illegally. Instead of releasing him to mother in California, he was in custody for over one year. The ruling concludes that minors are entitled to a court hearing.

Immigrants' rights in the United States of America

On behalf of Stacer, PLC posted in u.s. immigration law on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

As most people know by now, immigration and issues regarding it have been getting a lot of attention for the last few months. With the new presidential administration has come a renewed sense of fear and uncertainty for immigrants of all kinds.

Fortunately for everyone in the United States, every person in the nation has constitutional rights, even if they are not a legal resident or citizen. As immigration continues to be an important topic, it is very important that all people know their basic rights.

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