Hablando con Carolina: DACA Renewals, Travel Risks, and Other Immigration Concerns
In the latest episode of Hablando con Carolina, immigration attorney Carolina Antonini addresses your concerns about DACA, court hearings, travel risks, and more.
If you have questions about your immigration status or how these issues may affect your case, contact Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys.
At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.
00:46 – Carolina Antonini Reflects on 30 Years in Immigration Law
Carolina reflects on her 30 years as an immigration attorney and discusses how much Georgia’s immigrant community and the resources available to it have grown over the years, including greater access to professional interpreters, translators, mental health services, and Latino attorneys and judges. She also reflects on how immigration enforcement has changed throughout her career.
04:45 – Who You Get Legal Advice from Matters
Immigration cases often require strategic legal decisions that may have serious, long-term consequences. Carolina explains the importance of understanding the difference between receiving legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney and relying on a notario, document preparer, or other individual who is not licensed to practice law.
Who you ask to represent you is crucial to your immigration case. Read How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams in Atlanta if you feel you’ve been misguided by your immigration attorney or preparer.
09:06 – DACA Recipients Should Prepare for Renewal Delays
Carolina discusses concerns for DACA recipients as renewal and employment authorization processing times become longer. She explains that a delay in receiving a new employment authorization document may also affect a person’s ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.
10:56 – DACA and Removal Proceedings
Having DACA does not necessarily prevent the government from placing you in removal proceedings or an immigration judge from issuing a removal order. Carolina recommends speaking with one of Antonini & Cohen’s experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys, especially if your DACA expired, to understand what options may be available and have a defense plan if you are ever placed in removal proceedings.
17:16 – Public Access to Immigration Court Hearings
Carolina explains that immigration court proceedings are generally open to the public, with certain exceptions, such as some asylum proceedings or situations involving witnesses.
She discusses concerns about restrictions on remote public access to virtual immigration hearings and explains that family members may need to attend in person unless they receive specific permission to access the hearing remotely.
19:22 – Why You Must Keep Your Address Updated With Immigration Court
Failing to update your address may have serious consequences, including missing a hearing and potentially receiving an order of removal in your absence. It’s important to keep your address current with the immigration court and stay in contact with your attorney, even if your case has been administratively closed.
If you discover that you missed a hearing or have an existing removal order, speak with an Antonini & Cohen experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your best immigration option.
21:51 – Correcting False or Exaggerated Information in an Asylum Application
Carolina warns that false material statements in an asylum application may have extremely serious immigration consequences. If you discover inaccurate or false information in an application that has already been submitted, do not ignore it. Speak with an experienced immigration attorney about how to address and potentially correct the information before proceeding further with the case.
An immigration attorney should never encourage you to exaggerate your experience or include information that is not true simply to make your asylum claim appear stronger. If you feel you’ve been misguided by your attorney, seek a second opinion from a trusted, experienced immigration attorney to make sure your case is on the right track.
28:00 – Can You Drive With an Expired License While Your Work Permit Is Pending?
Carolina strongly advises against driving with an expired driver’s license while waiting for a work permit renewal. An arrest for driving without a valid license may expose you to additional legal and immigration consequences, including contact with immigration authorities.
28:32 – Traveling With a Pending Immigration Case
Airport screening or encounters with immigration authorities may create serious risks for some travelers with pending immigration cases, even when flying within the United States or to a U.S. territory. Consult with an Antonini & Cohen immigration attorney before planning your trip to identify any potential immigration risks.
If you’re a traveling lawful permanent resident, know what to expect if you are confronted at the airport. Read Returning to the US as a Lawful Permanent Resident: What You Need to Know for more information.
Get Legal Guidance You Can Count On!
If you have DACA, a pending immigration application, an immigration court case, or questions about traveling, speak with an experienced Atlanta immigration attorney before making decisions that could affect your status.
Contact Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your unique situation to determine what immigration options may be available.
At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.
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For more episodes of Hablando con Carolina, click here.
