KEYPRACTICEDEVELOPMENT:DONALDTRUMP’SEXECUTIVEORDERSOn January 25, 2017, President Trump signed two executive orders (EOs) onimmigration policy. These orders directed the Department of Homeland Security(DHS)toenlargethedeportationdragnetandfurthermilitarizethesouthernborderoftheU.S. Theadministrationexpandedthegroupofpeoplewhowillbeprioritiesfordeportation,specificallynoting“removable”immigrantswhohavebeenaccusedor convicted of committing criminal offenses. The EOs also reflected a focus onhavinglocallawenforcementagenciesperformthefunctionsofimmigrationofficersthroughformalagreementsandbydenyingfederalfundsto“sanctuaryjurisdictions”like New York City that do not comply with requests to help Immigration andCustomsEnforcement(ICE)detainanddeportimmigrants.
DotheEOschangewhoislegallysubjecttodeportation(i.e.“removable”)?No. The existing immigration laws dictatewho is legally “removable.” Current law allows thefederal government to deport people who lack lawful immigration status (i.e. undocumentedpeople)aswellas thosewith status (e.g.greencardholders, refugees,visaholders)whohavecertaincriminalconvictions.Thepresidentcannotredefinewhoislegally“removable”withoutanactofCongress. However, forpeoplewhoare“removable”underexisting law,thepoliciesannouncedcananddoexpandwhomimmigrationauthoritieswilltargetfordeportation.
DotheEOschangewhichofmyclientsICEwillseektodetainanddeport?Yes.SomeclientswhowouldnothavebeenICEenforcementprioritiesbeforemaynowbehighpriorities for removal, even pre-conviction. Of note, any “removable” personwho has beenaccusedorconvictedofacrimeisnowapriorityfordeportation.
For clients currently in the criminal legal system, it is important to note the EO makes nodistinctionbetweenthetypesofcrimeorlevelofoffensesthatwillmakeapersonatargetfordeportation.Also,itislikelyICEwillprioritizepeoplewithpriorconvictionsregardlessofhowlongagotheconvictionoccurredorthelevelofthepriorconviction.Manyofthetermsusedinthe EOs are subject to interpretation and appear without definition; advocates will seekclarificationandwewillupdateyouaswegetinformation.
HowshouldtheseEOschangemypractice?BecauseDHSnowprioritizespeoplewhohavehadany contactwith the criminal legal system,eventhosewhosechargesarestillpending,itismoreimportantthanevertoseekadviceaboutimmigration consequences as early as possible. Criminal defense attorneys are the first lineofdefensefor immigrants,whoarenotprovidedwithafreeattorney indeportationproceedings.You can help “removable” clients by providing them with information about the risk ofimmigration enforcement and how to prepare. Information on emergency planning forimmigrantsisavailableonIDP’swebsite;seeadditionalresourcesbelowforlink.It is also important to remember that information about immigration status and history thatclientsprovidetotheirdefenseattorneyisprivilegedandconfidential.Youshouldremindclientsthat you will not divulge this sensitive information without their permission, especiallyconsideringtheplansforexpandedenforcementactions.Should I keep trying to get clients pleas that reduce (or eliminate, when possible)immigrationconsequences?Yes! The executive orders confirm that immigrants with convictions will be targeted as a toppriority for deportation. It is crucial to negotiate dispositions that minimize immigrationconsequences and exposure to enforcement agents. This applies to immigrants with andwithout lawful status! Finding out about your client’s immigration status as soon as possiblecouldhelpyourclientexercisetheirrightsintheeventofICEaction.Inaddition,underPadillav.Kentucky, defense attorneys still have a duty to advise clients about the immigrationconsequencesofconvictions.TheEOtargetspeopleaccusedorconvictedofcrimes.Ifmyclientpleadsguiltytoanon-criminaldisposition,iss/hesafe?No.Dispositionsconsideredtobeminororeven“non-criminal”canmakeyourclientapriorityfor deportation. For example, DHS considers New York violations to be misdemeanorconvictions. Whether any disposition will be a “safe” resolution depends on your client’sindividualhistoryandananalysisofthe immigrationconsequencesofthecriminal lawsofyourjurisdiction.Ifyourepresentanon-citizeninacriminalmatter,consultanimmigrationattorney,even if the offer is a minor violation, infraction, or another non-criminal outcome, and thenadviseyourclientaccordingly.
judge,orcompletingasentence)fromcriminalcustody.IDPhasinformationaboutNewYorkCitypoliciesandlawsavailableonitswebsite;seeadditionalresourcesbelowforlink.WilltheseexecutiveorderschangehowNYPDorNYCDOCrespondstodetainers?Notnecessarily.Detainer lawsandpolicies adoptedby local and stategovernments remain ineffect unless rescinded. The EO threatens to use financial and other pressure topersuadelocalitiestorescindthese laws.Several localities, includingNewYorkCity,haverespondedthattheywillresistthispressure.TheNewYorkStateAttorneyGeneralhasissuedlegalguidancetoassist local jurisdictions in shaping local laws and policies to protect immigrants from jailroundups.IDPisworkingtosupportNewYorkCityandadvocatesinotherplacesintheireffortstoprotectimmigrants.DotheordersaffectpeoplewithDACA(DeferredActionforChildhoodArrivals)?Notdirectly.TheordersdonotaddressDACA,aprogramthatgaveworkauthorizationtoundocumentedpeoplewhocametotheU.S.aschildren.However,ifyourepresentapersonwithDACAwhohasbeenarrested,consultanimmigrationattorneyassoonaspossibletodiscusstheimmigrationconsequencesofthearrestandanydispositionaswellastheriskofimmigrationenforcement.Additionalresources• ThefulltextoftheJanuary25,2017ExecutiveOrderscanbefoundat
