According to legislators, the move to enact immigration reform may not be taken up by lawmakers for some time yet. However, proponents of decreasing the rates of deportation incidents in the United States may find some relief in the latest numbers of deportation statistics released recently. Any Maryland immigrants or family members may want to follow how deportations are being handled across the country and the status of any immigration reform that may be forthcoming.
According to the latest figures released, there was a 10 percent drop in the number of deportations in 2013. This is noted as the first decrease since President Obama took office back in 2008. In the last year, there were just over 350,000 people deported.
One reason cited for the drop in cases of deportation relates to whom the government is focusing on. According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, the agency has been focusing on deporting criminals. The cases that come to light and proceed towards deportation and involve criminal activity take longer to process and resolve compared to the process of deporting an individual who has not committed a crime. Also, many of those deported were apprehended at the border and not in the process of living and working in the United States.
The deportation process can be complicated and time-consuming, regardless of the circumstances. When a family member is facing deportation in Maryland, they typically have many questions and concerns. Having all of the information related to deportation proceedings and the latest laws can be beneficial for anyone involved.
Source: USA Today, Deportations by federal government drop in 2013, Daniel Gonzalez, Dec. 27, 2013