Deportation Policy Shifts Toward a Focus on Removing Criminals
The United States is shifting its attention away from deporting undocumented immigrants that are following the law and focus its attention on those who have a criminal record or threaten national security.

November 20, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Deportation Policy Shifts Toward a Focus on Removing Criminals

The United States is shifting its attention away from deporting undocumented immigrants that are following the law and focus its attention on those who have a criminal record or threaten national security, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently wrote to a group of U.S. senators who desire immigration reform. Under this plan, approximately 300,000 potential deportations will be reconsidered on a case by case basis. Many of the people facing deportation will be allowed to request a work permit and remain in the country legally.

The government's rationale for this policy shift is that resources must be reallocated in order to have the focus remain on the highest priorities. Napolitano wrote that immigration court dockets are clogged and "diverting Department of Homeland Security enforcement resources away from individuals who pose a threat to public safety."

Administration Reacts to Criticism

The current administration has been under fire for being too aggressive in removing illegal immigrants who have never committed any significant crime. State governments are complaining that they don't have the funds to enforce the federal government's policies while undocumented immigrants are becoming more afraid of police and contact with authority.

New Policy

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also now giving agents discretion when they should apply the new protocol to potential deportees. John Morton, the director of ICE, issued a memo last June highlighting the agency's new direction. In addition to whether or not someone has a criminal record, agents will now consider the length of time spent in the U.S. and the citizenship status of immediate family members before deciding to begin deportation proceedings.

Though this new policy isn't a path to legal residency, it does provide some reassurance for those who want to continue to live and work in the U.S. while undocumented. This policy change seeks to reward those immigrants who do not pose a security threat and, instead, targets those immigrants who do.

While the policy shift is good news for undocumented individuals, an actual reformation of U.S. immigration laws has yet to occur. If you have questions regarding your immigration status, contact an experienced immigration attorney right away.

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