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Man facing deportation is currently held in limbo

On Behalf of | Jul 15, 2015 | U.S. Immigration Law |

Most Maryland readers likely understand that certain criminal convictions can lead to enforcement action for immigrants by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, many may be unaware that these convictions can open the door to deportation years after a person has served time in prison. One man is currently being held at a detention facility awaiting possible deportation years after being released from prison.

He came to the United States when he was 2 years old. When he was 20, he took part in an armed robbery. He was arrested and convicted of a felony and served seven years in a prison. Attempts were made at that time to deport the man, but China did not produce the necessary travel documents so the man stayed in the United States.

He now lives in California and manages a non-profit recycling program while maintaining a seemingly normal family and community-centered life. A new sweep looking for criminals to deport has reopened the door to his possible deportation. Some have stated the sweep is a result of negotiations between the United States and China. Apparently, China is asking the United States to return certain Chinese nationals wanted for corruption charges, and the United States is asking China to cooperate with regard to certain deportations. He has been detained since June 2 and is hundreds of miles away from family and friends.

The fate of this man is unclear, and surely just as unclear as others with Maryland ties who await possible deportation. A deportation to a land where a person has not lived for decades or left as a young child means uprooting an entire life, family structure and community connections. Anyone confronting deportation proceedings will typically benefit by consulting with an experienced attorney immigration and naturalization law attorney.

Source: NBC News, “After Decades in the U.S., Daniel Maher Now Faces Deportation“, Emil Guillermo, July 10, 2015

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