Lawyer Aba: Ghanaian Immigration Attorney in the USA
Lawyer Aba, a Ghanaian immigration attorney based in the United States, is a regular guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami.
READ ALSO:I’m On Trùmp’s Dęportation List,I Wasted $70,000 On Nkrataa,I Have Struggled & Crięd My Entire Life
One of her recent cases involves a man named Barfour, who was placed on a deportation list despite paying $70,000 for immigration papers.
The American woman he paid scammed him, and his petition was denied.
Lawyer Aba investigated his case and discovered that he had only 33 days to leave the country.
However, he still has the option to appeal, and the case will not be finalized until all legal proceedings are exhausted.
Some individuals have court hearings scheduled as far ahead as 2027 or even 2035, meaning they can remain in the U.S. for years before a final decision is made.
Many immigrants are living in fear due to misinformation about deportations. Viral videos circulating online are often outdated, with some dating back to 2016. Some of these videos do not even depict actual ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents.
Lawyer Aba advises that people should take precautions, such as:
- Avoid carrying or using fraudulent documents.
- Invest in a door camera to see who is outside before opening the door.
- Know your rights: ICE agents need a judicial warrant to enter your home or business. If they show up, you can ask them to slide the warrant under the door.
Legal Assistance and Challenges
The U.S. government provides legal aid for asylum seekers, but funding for these services has been significantly reduced. As a result, fewer lawyers are available to represent individuals facing immigration issues. Private philanthropists or organizations may offer financial support to help immigrants navigate the legal system.
Currently, immigration enforcement in the U.S. operates at a lower capacity, yet fear and misinformation remain widespread. Many viral videos depicting immigration raids are outdated, with some dating back to 2016. Additionally, not all individuals in these videos are actual ICE agents.
Precautionary Measures for Immigrants
For those living in the U.S. without proper documentation, Lawyer Aba advises the following:
- Avoid Carrying Someone Else’s Documents: If you are using another person’s papers for work, do not carry them with you at all times.
- Invest in Security: Installing a door camera can help you verify who is outside before opening the door.
- Know Your Rights: Immigration officers need a judicial warrant to enter your home. If they arrive at your doorstep, ask them to slide the warrant under the door before engaging with them.
- Legal Status Documentation: Those who are married and have filed for residency should carry a copy of their receipt notice as proof of their legal process. Similarly, individuals with work permits should keep them accessible.
Deportation and Criminal Offenses
- Those who have been placed on the deportation list and have exhausted all legal remedies will eventually be removed.
- Individuals with pending hearings can remain in the U.S. until a decision is reached, which may take years.
- Asylum seekers can be arrested, but they are not the primary targets of immigration enforcement.
- Those with criminal records, even from 10 years ago, remain at risk of deportation.
- Shoplifting, once considered a minor offense, now results in mandatory detention and potential deportation, even if the stolen item is valued between $100 and $150.
Advice for Immigrants
If you are married and waiting for immigration approval, carry a copy of your receipt notice in case authorities stop you. Permanent residents should always have their work permits or Green Cards with them as proof of status.
Finally, Lawyer Aba reminds immigrants to remain calm and stay informed. While the environment may feel hostile, there is still law and order, and legal options exist for those facing deportation.
Watch The Video Below;