Are disabled immigrants more likely to be deported? According to several recent news reports, individuals with mental and physical ailments and families with disabled children might be more at risk of deportation under the current administration’s immigration policies. Because of the increase in ICE sweeps, more immigrant families are living in fear of deportation, especially those who suffer from mental illness and those who care for disabled loved ones. What can you do if you have a disability and are facing deportation? If you are facing deportation, time is of the essence, and assistance with your case can make all the difference in the outcome. J. Joseph Cohen is a deportation lawyer in San Antonio, Texas that may be able to assist you if you are facing deportation and removal.

Mental Illness and Deportation

According to NPR, individuals with mental illness are more likely to experience run ins with the law. Individuals may sometimes behave erratically because of their condition, which can increase their likelihood of experiencing a run in with the law. Because they may have difficulty accessing mental health services, they are more likely to face jail and incarceration rather than receive treatment. Under the current administration, individuals with criminal records, arrests, and convictions are more at risk of deportation. Even those who may not have ever committed a violent crime, could find themselves facing deportation. Most individuals with mental illness are not violent. In fact, most people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of violent crime than perpetrators. However, when individuals with mental illness exhibit erratic behavior, people might call the police. Many people suffering from mental illness face removal to a country where they may not know the language and may not have access to quality medical care. If you are facing deportation and struggle with mental illness, the road ahead can feel daunting. However, you have the right to a fair trial before you are removed from the country. J. Joseph Cohen is a deportation lawyer in San Antonio, Texas who can review your case, help you understand your options, and assist you with the next steps.

Families with Disabled Children

Another category of immigrants who struggle with deportation are parents whose children are disabled. These parents may not have legal status and their children may rely on them for crucial care. While many advocates for these parents support their receiving relief from deportation so that they can stay and care for their disabled U.S. citizen children, many of these families struggle with the fear of deportation every day. In some cases, seeking legal status for yourself can trigger deportation proceedings. However, if you are currently facing deportation and an order for removal has been made, you have the right to fight your removal and to ask for a cancellation of removal because of your unique circumstances. Before taking any step, it is important to speak to an attorney, because seeking citizenship, a visa, or other status could potentially put you at risk of removal, in some circumstances. J. Joseph Cohen is a deportation lawyer in San Antonio, Texas that may be able to assist you if you are facing deportation and your family has a special circumstance or hardship.

Trump’s Public Charge Rule and Disability Rights

Under Trump’s proposed public charge rule, an immigrant who receives government benefits like Medicare, SNAP, could face a denial of his or her citizenship or visa application. If the individual has a disability that could impact his or her self-care he or she could potentially be at risk of being denied citizenship and other benefits. Disability rights advocates argue that this policy would discriminate against the disabled. If you are facing deportation and suffer from a disability, you may be able to argue in court that deportation would cause undue hardship. Have a question about your rights? Contact J. Joseph Cohen, a deportation lawyer in San Antonio, Texas today.

Protect Your Rights

Deportation laws can be complex. If you are facing deportation and removal or if a loved one has been brought into custody, it is important to take steps to protect your rights. J. Joseph Cohen is a deportation lawyer in San Antonio, Texas that may be able to assist you with navigating the immigration legal system, and the court system. In some cases, families of disabled children who are U.S. citizens have been able to successfully petition the court to grant them the ability to stay in the country to care for their children. Many U.S. citizen children run the risk of being put in the foster care system if their parents are deported. If this describes your situation, you may have the right to fight your deportation. Reach out to J. Joseph Cohen, a deportation lawyer in San Antonio, Texas today, or contact USAttorneys.com to get connected with our law firm.