INTERNATIONAL: Green Card Trap: Interviews Turn Into Arrests!
Recent reports from San Diego highlight a disturbing trend in U.S. immigration processing. Applicants attending routine green card interviews in U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices are facing unexpected arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
This development has sparked widespread alarm among families and legal experts.
The incidents target individuals who overstayed their visas while pursuing permanent residency.
Many of those detained are spouses of U.S. citizens with clean records and no prior legal issues.
Immigration attorneys describe the situation as a coordinated policy shift, catching applicants off guard during what should be a celebratory step.
Voices from the Frontlines
Saman Nasseri, an experienced immigration lawyer, shared firsthand accounts of the crackdown.
Last week alone, five of his clients showed up for interviews only to be handcuffed and removed. “These are everyday people married to Americans, simply trying to formalize their status,” Nasseri explained in media interviews.
Habib Hasbini, another attorney handling similar cases, confirmed the pattern originates from the San Diego USCIS field office.
He noted a surge in inquiries from anxious clients. Hasbini has begun advising preparation for worst-case scenarios, urging thorough documentation reviews before appointments.
Official Justification
ICE officials defend the actions as routine enforcement of immigration laws.
A spokesperson emphasized the agency’s focus on public safety and border integrity. “We detain individuals present in the U.S. without authorization, regardless of circumstances,” the statement read, underscoring compliance with federal statutes.
While the policy aligns with long-standing rules on visa overstays, critics question its timing and impact on family-based applications.
Detainees are often transferred to the Otay Mesa Detention Center, a facility known for housing immigration cases.
Practical Guidance for Applicants
To navigate this uncertainty, lawyers recommend these steps:
- Confirm visa status well in advance and address any overstay issues through legal channels.
- Bring a trusted advocate or attorney to interviews for support.
- Prepare contingency plans, including emergency contacts and bail resources if needed.
Hasbini stresses that transparency with USCIS can sometimes mitigate risks, though outcomes vary.
Echoes of Broader Policy Shifts
This wave of detentions, which began in early November, reflects heightened scrutiny under current enforcement priorities.
Families express feelings of betrayal, with one military spouse recounting her shock during a routine check-in. As cases multiply, calls grow for clearer guidelines to protect legitimate applicants.
The human cost is evident in disrupted lives and strained relationships. Yet, experts urge staying informed rather than avoiding the process altogether.