As a border state, Texas sees much more immigrant movement than most other states. There is also significant concern throughout the state about undocumented immigrants and their impact on local communities.
Immigrants living in Texas may worry about how changes in federal policy could affect their rights. Current policies put a lot of scrutiny on immigrants, and the number of removal proceedings has increased substantially since the beginning of the year.
What do immigrants in Texas need to know about their rights?
Texas has state laws about immigration
Most removal proceedings and criminal cases related to immigration are federal. However, Texas has several state-level laws addressing undocumented immigrants. There is a controversial Texas law that allows the state to prosecute people for immigration offenses, although this statute is currently undergoing intensive judicial scrutiny.
They could also be vulnerable while interacting with state law enforcement agencies, as the state has a statute that requires that law enforcement authorities cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as necessary. The law even allows the state to empower state and local law enforcement professionals to assist federal agents as necessary with immigration matters.
Immigrants without appropriate documentation in Texas are at risk of state prosecution and detention. Those charges could then complicate their circumstances if they attempt to defend against deportation, apply for asylum or otherwise legally assert their rights as a foreign national in the United States.
Removal is not immediate
The good news for those concerned about their immigration status and the possibility of removal is that there is a legal system in place for the protection of immigrants. People without appropriate documentation or accused of immigration-related violations can defend against imminent removal proceedings with the help of an attorney.
It is possible to question the circumstances leading to an individual’s arrest or removal. In some cases, immigrants may qualify for special consideration. Victims of crime and those facing persecution in their countries of origin may have options available to them that could help them avoid removal from the United States.
Immigrants facing removal efforts and those trying to support family members may need help developing a removal defense strategy. Getting assistance as soon as the immigration controversy arises can increase the chances of successfully remaining in the United States.