Living under constant stress of deportation and removal can push anyone to the brink. Many churches provided a safe haven for undocumented immigrants living in fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The number of people living in sanctuary has dropped dramatically across the United States with the Trump administration no longer in control. But undocumented immigrants still face an uncertain future, leaving many to turn to immigration lawyers for guidance after leaving sanctuary.
Living in Sanctuary Cities
Immigrants turned to churches all over the country as ICE conducted more raids under the Trump administration. Churches in sanctuary cities such as Philadelphia provided a safe shelter for undocumented immigrants, providing them with food, clothing, housing, and basic needs funded by donations from within and outside their churches.
Many immigrants living in sanctuary initially intended to reside at churches for a short time. But as ICE continued to conduct raids, it soon became clear that both immigrants and churches were in this for the long haul.
Whenever someone makes a drastic life adjustment, such as living in sanctuary, old routines fade and new one routines form. Over time, the old routines are completely lost. Many immigrants now leaving sanctuary are finding that returning to these old routines is challenging.
Challenges in Starting Over
When immigrants entered sanctuary, they lost their jobs, they may have left family behind, and they lost their ability to be free. Several families in Philadelphia made this tough decision.
Although many might view living in a church and having their needs taken care of as better than the alternative, it still comes with many challenges. Most of all, living in sanctuary is a loss of freedom.
When a child gets sick, the parent cannot take the child to the doctor for fear of ICE. The family misses out on job opportunities, school, and other life events that most people take for granted.
Families that leave sanctuary may face extreme challenges integrating back into society. From the tiniest of things like remembering how to work an ATM to larger life events such as finding gainful employment, immigrants may be excited to leave but may also face significant challenges.
All of this is on top of an uncertain future. When immigrants leave sanctuary, they may not have an answer on immigration paperwork. Even though ICE is not banging on the door, these families may not have finality and may still live under constant stress as they worry about the immigration legal challenges ahead.
Guidance from an Immigration Lawyer
With so much uncertainty, undocumented immigrants leaving sanctuary should partner with an experienced immigration lawyer. America’s immigration system is extremely complex. Trying to navigate through the system while also supporting basic needs is nearly impossible for immigrants, many of whom do not speak fluent English.
The immigration process is hard to understand. Balancing that with re-integrating into society can simply overwhelm many undocumented immigrants.
Jobs and Schooling
Undocumented immigrants and their families must focus on getting their lives back. They need to find jobs, schooling, and many other basic necessities of life. Without proper documentation, it can be nearly impossible to find work. Even when someone finds a job, it might not be the best conditions. Schools present similar difficulties. Without a residence and identification, parents find it challenging to put their children into school.
Housing
One of the most troublesome parts of moving back into society for immigrants leaving sanctuary can be finding safe and affordable housing. Without a job, immigrants find that many apartment complexes will not take them. Even with the financial support of a church and its members, undocumented immigrants may find it challenging to find a place to live. With the guidance of immigration lawyers, these families can locate safe and affordable housing options by leaning on the resources of their legal advocate.
Immigration Proceedings
When a family faces an uncertain future, they need a legal advocate on their side, someone who will fight hard to protect their rights. An experienced immigration lawyer can provide access to key resources that may help families navigate their immigration proceedings. Most of all, immigration lawyers can add to the support system the family has through their sanctuary church. Although the church provides emotional support, the immigration lawyer provides legal support and guidance, working toward a common goal of successfully avoiding deportation and removal.
Because of the past experiences with government agencies, many undocumented immigrants are fearful of going through the court process. They worry that if they show their face, ICE will deport them. That is why it is so important for families in this position to speak with skilled immigration lawyers. The immigration lawyers understand the process but also understand the fear inside many undocumented immigrants. With that knowledge and legal experience, the right immigration lawyer can help undocumented immigrants move their case forward toward the goal of re-integrating into normal life. Having a guide to help undocumented immigrants reach a successful outcome lifts an enormous weight off their shoulders, letting them focus on managing their core daily duties.
Philadelphia Immigration Lawyers at MC Law Group, LLC Help Immigrants Starting Over after Sanctuary
Starting over after sanctuary can seem daunting. But you have already had countless people enter your life to assist you. From church employees to volunteers, you have seen what happens when the community comes together to help. Just like the church provided a safe location during a scary time, a trusted legal representative can help you through the next step in your journey. To get the help you desperately need, contact the Philadelphia immigration lawyers at MC Law Group, LLC today. We will answer your initial questions at no cost to you so you can understand what comes next. Call us at 215-496-0690 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout the tri-state area, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and nationwide.