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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, for its acronym in English) issued a clear warning to migrants this Wednesday: if they have an outstanding arrest warrant and appear at one of its offices to manage immigration benefits, they will be detained.
The statement was disseminated through the official USCIS account on social media platform X, where the agency reported the recent arrest of a woman at its field office in Miami.
According to the publication, the detained individual went to apply for a immigration benefit on behalf of a family member, but was identified as a person with an active court order.
"An arrest warrant is a serious matter, regardless of the reason. If you show up at a USCIS office seeking an immigration benefit and we detect that you are not complying with our laws, you will face consequences," the official message warned.
The text emphasized that the Miami office is "doing its part to keep America safe," highlighting that they are working in coordination with other agencies to identify and apprehend individuals with open legal proceedings.
This warning has important implications for migrants who are in an irregular situation or facing pending charges.
The USCIS offices, while focused on administrative procedures, also maintain protocols for verification and collaboration with law enforcement authorities.
The agency did not provide further details about the specific case of the detained woman, nor about how many people have been arrested under similar circumstances.
However, the publication has raised concerns about the possibility that such operations may dissuade migrants from regularizing their status or pursuing legal processes for fear of being detained.
The recent updates to USCIS regulations and procedures have raised concerns and the need for greater guidance for migrants, especially Cubans.
One of the most discussed measures was the notification regarding the change in the I-90 form, essential for renewing the green card, with the new design set to take effect starting June 26.
USCIS warned that only updated versions will be accepted, and applicants must stay alert to the new requirements to avoid delays or rejections in their processes.
At the same time, legal experts have warned about the challenges facing those seeking to legalize their immigration status under the Cuban Adjustment Act, particularly through Form I-220A.
The lawyer Willy Allen explained that the majority of Cubans who arrived with this document will not meet the requirements necessary to obtain permanent residency.
According to Allen, the issue is that the I-220A does not constitute a legal admission to the country, which is a prerequisite for being eligible for that law.
In line with this vision, attorney Liudmila Marcelo has provided key guidance to Cubans who entered with the I-220A.
He recommended that these individuals seek legal advice and not assume that their immigration status can be resolved automatically after one year and one day of residency in the U.S.
The lawyer emphasized the importance of not trusting rumors or incorrect information spread on social media, as a misinterpretation of immigration status can have serious consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions about USCIS Warnings to Migrants in the U.S.
What happens if a migrant with an arrest warrant goes to a USCIS office?
If a migrant with an outstanding arrest warrant presents themselves at a USCIS office, they will be detained. USCIS has warned that anyone seeking immigration benefits who has open legal proceedings will face consequences, and they are working in coordination with other agencies to identify and detain these individuals.
How is USCIS reinforcing immigration control policies?
USCIS is increasing the rigor of immigration processes and working more closely with ICE to identify and detain immigrants with pending judicial processes. Additionally, they are implementing stricter verification protocols and reviewing social media to detect inconsistencies in applications.
What does the review of social media by USCIS for applicants of immigration benefits entail?
USCIS may require applicants to provide their social media identifiers to verify their identity and detect possible inconsistencies. This measure aims to prevent immigration fraud and ensure that applicants do not pose a threat to public or national security.
What consequences do migrants face if they do not comply with the mandatory registration in the U.S.?
Migrants who do not comply with the mandatory registration may face fines, imprisonment, or deportation. The Donald Trump administration has implemented a new registration process to strengthen border security and immigration control, and non-compliance carries serious legal consequences.
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