Act Now.

Around the holidays it is easy to get wrapped up in the season. Festivities, family, parties, showing appreciation for the year. It is important to remember that being around family is a privilege for some that is taken away in an instant. 

Extra activity by the government to increase deportations does not mean you will be an exception. A recent news article highlights that many deportation proceedings that were administratively closed are now being reopened. For those with an ability to be documented, now is the time to act. There are individuals who are having their closed deportation proceedings reopened, or those who will encounter police checkpoints, or those who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is to all of the individuals with options that I send the message - act now. 

If you are married to a United States citizen and you are undocumented, it is time to speak with an immigration attorney.  If you have a mother, father or child over 21 who is a United States citizen or green card holder, it is time to speak with an immigration attorney.  If you have been the victim of a crime or have helped the police in their investigation of a criminal, it is time to speak with an immigration attorney.  If you have been living with your United States citizen significant other, you have a child together, but you have are holding off to get married, now is the time to start the conversation. If you are undocumented and you do not understand your options, it is time to act now. 

There are many reasons not to act on your status. You may be concerned about your family, or what could happen if you start proceedings, everything has been working until now, or even concern over money. However, you do not want to be making your immigration choices when you do not have the options to set your own schedule.  Now is the time to take control of your future and the future of your family - act now.