In late 2015, information was released about how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would be stepping up its pursuit of individuals with deportation orders. This naturally may leave an immigrant who lacks the proper documentation in Maryland and other states feeling unsettled. So far this year, the Department of Homeland Security has detained 121 people through its operations.
Considering over 11 million individuals are said to be living in the U.S. without their papers, the 121 currently detained may seem insignificant. However, the situation has sparked fear among immigrant communities. One of those communities is Langley Park in Maryland.
The Langley Park community is a hub for immigrants from Central America. Although the majority of the arrests happened in other states, such as Texas, Georgia and North Carolina, the actions are sparking fear to those in Maryland. The department is specifically looking for not only people with deportation orders but also those who have recently arrived in the country or have committed crimes.
An immigrant in Maryland who lacks the necessary paperwork may understandably feel insecure about the future in light of the government’s effort to target immigrants for deportation purposes. This is especially true for immigrants who have children and other loved ones in the U.S. because deportation can potentially break up these families. It is wise for a person who may be interested in pursuing U.S. citizenship or another legally recognized status to stay abreast of changes in the nation’s immigration law so that he or she remains prepared to react accordingly.
Source: npr.org, “As Deportations Ramp Up, Rumors Stir Fear Among Immigrants“, Jasmine Garsd, Jan. 17, 2016