Miami Immigration & Naturalization Law Blog

If you're one of many Florida immigrants whose greatest desire is to become a full-fledged U.S. citizen, you've likely been studying and working hard to accomplish your goals. The citizenship process is complex and requires that you meet many eligibility requirements and qualifications before you can file an application and, hopefully, achieve citizenship. Once you do file an application to become a U.S. citizen, you must reside full time in the United States until your application has been fully processed.

Part of the citizenship process includes testing. You must show that you are competent in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English. This is often one of the greatest challenges for those working toward naturalization. You must also prove that you have a basic understanding of U.S. government and the main historical events that have taken place since the country was founded.

There are approximately 2,000 immigrants per day placed in detention in Florida. Many immigrant advocates say this number is exorbitant and driven by profit-hungry privateers who own most of the facilities where such people are housed. Advocates also say that many U.S. immigration law detention centers in this state more closely resemble prisons than the transition, processing or holding centers they are supposed to be. 

Some of the most common problems cited in numerous detention facilities in south Florida include overuse of solitary confinement, long lapses of time between meals and lack of proper medical attention. In fact, a recent report was filed that stated that, out of four detention centers that were visited, serious substandard conditions existed in all. The Attorney General is said to have recommended more state inspections of such facilities as a way to improve the situation.

Immigrants in Florida and across the country may be interested to learn that another state has enacted new policies that may affect those living there under an undocumented status. In the state in question, it is now legal for immigrants to apply for a driver's license, even if they have not been granted an adjustment of status, meaning, their paperwork is not in good standing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are reportedly not happy about the recent developments, stating that they believe it is placing public safety at risk and undermining the efforts of the U.S. government regarding immigration law.

The official may have said this because part of the new policies have essentially blocked ICE from accessing certain resources, which, in the past, made it easy to track people who lacked proper immigration paperwork. The new Green Light Law states that federal officers can no longer access information at the Department of Motor Vehicles unless a court orders the DMV officials to hand the information over. A spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that this will likely be detrimental to the missions of the CBP and ICE.

Perhaps, like many Florida households, yours has been experiencing a financial crisis as 2019 nears its end. Personal economics often fluctuates throughout the year, with some months being more financially stable than others. Medical bills, change of income or even holiday expenditures can be catalysts that tip financial scales in the wrong direction, sometimes leading to serious legal situations, such as threat of foreclosure.

It is easier for a single episode of financial strain to spark an all-out crisis than one might think. Maybe you have fallen behind on mortgage payments because your family had an unexpected medical emergency and you've been trying to pay the bills associated with the incident. Perhaps, like so many others in this state and across the country, you resorted to using your credit card to make ends meet.