New York Attorney Testifies Regarding Issues of U.S. Immigration

April 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Immigration is a complex and sensitive issue in the United States. Even when non-citizens seek to follow all of the correct procedures and guidelines, they are still left with failure and heartbreak. At a recent hearing on immigration at the City Council, the members agreed that something has to be done. Reforms in immigration law at the federal, state, and local level are long overdue and innocent people trying to build a life in the U.S. are paying the price. The system is too big, too impersonal, and too unyielding. At this council meeting were Haitian national P.T. and his attorney Linda Eiges. His testimony served as a sad example of the effects this system is having on those who have come to the country for a better life.

P.T. came to the U.S. on a visa in 1984. The political situation in Haiti was intense and he came to establish a new life free of this turmoil. Since then, he was built a full life in this country. He married an American citizen, has a son attending college, and owns his own home. After 19 years of living in the U.S., he has come to feel like an American. Although he and his wife have tried to obtain permanent residency in the country, he is still an illegal alien after all these years. He said that his problems began when an immigration attorney gave him very bad advice. The lawyer told him to obtain a work permit from the INS, not telling him that this could risk him being deported. His suspension of deportation was denied and he was told to leave the country within two years. However, he chose to remain with his wife and family and not go back to Haiti where the situation was even worse than it was when he left in the 80s.

The immigration hearing then heard from P.T.’s attorney, Linda Eiges of the New York immigration law firm of Eiges & Eiges. She stated that the INS attorney had the authority to decide whether P.T. should be deported or allowed to stay with his family. The opportunity to file for a motion to reopen the case has passed its 90 day time limit long ago. Now, the only possibility is to prove extenuating circumstances, changed conditions, or get governmental consent to file a joint motion. Attorney Eiges did this, but the government was not cooperative. She said that her next step would be to contact the District Counsel, but she is not hopeful regarding that step. In closing, she said that the law was not designed to tear apart families and cause good people to be thrown out of the country; yet, that is exactly what is happening.

In the end, a council member stated that it was distressing to know that one person’s ill advice could have such devastating consequences on the lives of so many. He thanked Linda Eiges for the great effort she is putting forth, not only for P.T., but for many other non-citizens in New York who are dealing with similar circumstances. It remains to be seen what will happen in this case, but P.T. has a skilled attorney on his side who will be with him throughout the process advocating that his story be heard and that he receives justice.

The entire team of professionals at Eiges & Eiges has one purpose at the forefront of their minds: to protect those who are most vulnerable. They have over 75 years of combined experience in standing up for the rights of immigrants and work tirelessly to see their best interests are upheld. If you have found yourself in a similar set of circumstances, contact their office or visit their website at http://www.NewYorkImmigrationLaw.com.