Immigration lawyer to DACA recipients: Don’t get married right now
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is still accepting DACA renewal requests after the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s appeal to end the program. Meanwhile, Congress has yet to pass a replacement to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
While USCIS isn’t accepting new applications, current DACA recipients need to apply to renew their status as soon as possible, according to Juan Carlos Gómez, director of the Carlos A. Costa immigration and Human RIghts Clinic at Florida International University.
“The government has been completely unreliable, which is an understatement. People must continue to apply, apply, apply to renew their status while court orders are in effect,” he said. Dreamers, the estimated 700,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, remain in a state of panic and fear of detention and deportation.
Gómez, who has been working as an immigration lawyer for 27 years, said he’s seen a surge in panicked clients since Trump was elected, especially over the past few months. His clinic has been working with 60 undocumented immigrants since September, advising them on next steps.
‘Do not act in panic, desperation or fear’
As DACA recipients attempt to figure out ways to stay legally in the country, marrying a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen is the most common idea that clients mention, said Gómez.
“Do not act in panic, desperation or fear. I’ve become a semi-marriage counselor, recommending people not to get married. The answer is NO,” said Gómez. “Of course, there’s the marriage fraud issue. And life is too short to sell yourself that way. Don’t be self-destructive and don’t allow someone to guide you because of stupidity.”
Despite the inclination to feel overwhelmed, individuals, especially parents, need to stay as level-headed as possible, said Gómez.
“Do not throw your money away. Get advice from multiple lawyers. Beware of a lawyer who tells you, ‘Give me x amount of money and I will resolve your solution.’ People take advantage of scared, vulnerable clients. Protect yourself.”
Most importantly, given the completely unresolved landscape, individuals need to accept that the uncertainty is part of reality and do everything within their realm of control. And many Dreamers are finding success in their careers despite the limited circumstances.
“If you hear someone promising you a miracle, run. Don’t give up; apply for renewal. Don’t get arrested,” said Gómez. “Be the best person you can be.”
In addition to the Carlos A. Costa immigration and Human RIghts Clinic, other nonprofit and advocacy organizations like Americans for Immigrant Justice, Church World Service and law schools across the country offer pro bono consultations and legal advice to undocumented immigrants.
