Harriet Steele, an immigration attorney born in Los Angeles, California, was shocked to receive an email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), granting her just seven days to exit the United States. The surprising notification arrived two weeks ago, despite the fact that Steele is a U.S. citizen. The email claimed her "permission to remain in the country" had expired.
Initially, Steele speculated that the correspondence might pertain to a client's case, but she ruled out that notion upon realizing that none of her clients are in the United States under the humanitarian parole program. The email was threatening in tone, warning that failure to leave would result in deportation.
A Widespread Issue
Steele's situation is not unique. According to a report by Univision Miami, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has alerted its members about similar emails purportedly from DHS. A federal agency official conceded that the issue might be due to a system glitch, suggesting that some attorney email addresses might have been used in immigrant applications. Nevertheless, experts warn this could be a potential intimidation tactic.
Concerns Over Intimidation
Immigration lawyer Víctor Nieblas expressed concerns that in the current political climate, such errors, once seen as administrative mishaps, now carry different implications. "They are intimidating immigration lawyers, and we cannot rule out this being a deterrent tactic," he stated.
Harriet Steele remains resolute, vowing not to leave her homeland or her clients. "I will continue doing my job," she declared.
Context of Heightened Pressure
This incident unfolds amidst mounting pressure on the U.S. immigration system. Last week, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was apprehended by FBI agents for allegedly assisting an immigrant in evading capture by ICE agents. Dugan faces federal charges for obstructing an ICE operation and concealing an individual to prevent their detention. Her arrest took place inside the courthouse, while she was still in her robe, and she appeared before a federal court the same day.
The Trump Administration's stringent immigration policies and actions against members of the judicial and legal system raise significant concerns about upholding due process and the rights of those defending immigrants in the United States.
Key Questions About DHS Notifications
What should immigration attorneys do if they receive a similar email from DHS?
Attorneys should verify the authenticity of the email with DHS and consult with legal experts or associations like AILA for guidance.
Could these emails be considered a form of intimidation?
Yes, experts warn that these emails could serve as a deterrent tactic, especially in the current political climate.
How does this situation reflect on the U.S. immigration system?
This situation highlights the increased pressure and potential overreach in the U.S. immigration system, raising concerns about due process and the rights of legal defenders.