Department of Homeland Security adds public advocate for immigrants

The Department of Homeland Security announced they have appointed an advocate to address questions and complaints about immigration policies.

The new appointee is Andrew Lorenzen-Strait who is a senior adviser for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and has worked with the agency since 2008.

ICE Director John Morton said the position was created to make certain immigration advocates and the public are aware of the recent policy changes and what these changes mean for people who are being jailed by immigration authorities or facing deportation.

Illegal immigrants, who are facing deportation, can hire immigration attorneys to help with their case but many are unaware of what their rights are. Recent policy changes have also allowed immigration officials to use discretion when considering cases and dismiss deportation proceedings for people who have not committed any crimes and have family living in the states.

Immigration lawyers are able to help hopeful immigrants obtain the proper legal documentation to reside in the U.S., but many people chose to come into the country by legal means because the process can be complex and take a great deal of time. Having a public advocate will be a great help to people unclear about the immigration and deportation process.

Illegal immigration is a serious issue and the current administration along and lawmakers have not yet come up with a viable solution. Some have suggested that the 11 million people, who have chosen to bypass legal residency, “self-deport” themselves and apply for citizenship, which is easier with the assistance of an immigration attorney. The current administration has attempted to pass legislation that would give amnesty to immigrants who attend college or serve in the military, but this has been met with serious opposition.