Latest Immigration Updates: My Interview on Nueva La Poderosa 670 AM

Latest immigration updates: this morning, I had the opportunity to speak with Aaron Glantz and Eduardo Aleman on Nueva La Poderosa 670 AM about some of the most pressing immigration issues facing our community. We covered a range of topics, including the dangers of human trafficking, stricter asylum rules, marriage fraud risks, immigration court delays, and DACA renewals. Here’s a summary of the key points we discussed.

Many people are still risking their lives to enter the United States, sometimes traveling in unsafe conditions, such as hiding inside cargo trucks or crossing with smugglers, also known as coyotes. These traffickers profit off human tragedy, and unfortunately, many migrants do not survive the journey.

I emphasized during the interview that this is human trafficking, and those making these journeys are putting their lives and their children’s lives at great risk. Meanwhile, border security is tighter than ever, making it even more dangerous for those attempting to enter this way.

A major topic of discussion was the new challenges asylum seekers face. Many are trying to seek protection in the U.S., but the rules to prove persecution have become much stricter.

One of the biggest changes is that ICE is now allowed to detain individuals in court, including state and immigration courts. Under new ICE guidelines, people can be detained if they fall into one of these five categories:

1. Individuals associated with gangs
2. People considered a threat to public or national security
3. Individuals previously deported who did not comply with their removal orders
4. People who were deported and illegally re-entered the U.S.
5. Those with certain criminal convictions.

However, state cooperation is required for ICE to carry out these arrests. For example, in New York, state law prohibits ICE from detaining people inside state courts, but this protection does not exist in most states.

If you have an immigration court hearing, you must attend—but you should also be aware of your rights.

We also discussed reports of marriages happening at the border with the goal of obtaining legal status. I want to be very clear—this is a terrible idea and comes with serious consequences.

There is a very specific rule stating that if a person gets married within 30 days of entering the U.S., it is presumed to be marriage fraud. This means that:

• The couple will have to prove twice as much evidence as a regular marriage case.
• If the immigrant entered illegally, meaning without a visa or parole, they cannot apply for a green card from within the U.S. and will have to leave the country.
• Marriage fraud is a federal crime with severe penalties:
  • Up to 5 years in prison for both the U.S. citizen and the immigrant.
  • A $250,000 fine—which, if unpaid, can lead to more prison time.
  • Permanent inadmissibility—if found guilty of marriage fraud, the immigrant will never be eligible for any U.S. visa or green card for the rest of their life.

I strongly advise against risky shortcuts like this. Immigration law is complex, and making a wrong decision can have life-long consequences.

During the interview, we also talked about the severe backlog in immigration courts. As of late last year, there were over 3 million cases pending. This has created long wait times, especially for asylum seekers and those in deportation proceedings.

At USCIS, there have been some improvements. Last year, I noticed that green card renewals and adjustment of status applications were being processed faster. However, with recent staff reductions—including the dismissal of 20 immigration judges—I am concerned that wait times may increase again.

If you have an open case, I recommend staying informed and making sure you follow up on your application status.

Finally, we discussed DACA renewals. Unlike other immigration processes, DACA renewals are moving quickly. In my office, I have seen them processed in one to three months, sometimes as fast as one month.

As for possible policy changes, I do not believe the current administration is actively working to eliminate DACA. In fact, there have been discussions about providing a more permanent legal solution for DACA recipients. While nothing has been finalized yet, I remain hopeful that a better path to legal status will be made available.

It was a pleasure to speak with Aaron Glantz and Eduardo Aleman about these important immigration issues. My main advice to anyone navigating the immigration system is to stay informed and seek proper legal guidance.

If you have questions about your asylum case, marriage-based petitions, or any other immigration matter, I encourage you to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. Making the right decisions now can protect your future and help you avoid costly mistakes.

For more information, call my office at (305) 671-0018, and follow me on YouTube and social media for ongoing updates on immigration law.