BataraImmigrationLaw

Congressional War Against Immigrant Rights

Carlos Batara — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:07:49 +0000

The Congressional War Against Due Process At Immigration Court

Back in my days as a political science professor, I would point out how candidates scapegoat politically powerless individuals for self gain.

Like undocumented immigrants.

Since they cannot vote, their ability …

Judulang v. Holder: Supreme Court Victory For Lawful Permanent Residents

Carlos Batara — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:44:30 +0000

Why The Judulang Decision Is Important For Lawful Permanent Residents

April 1, 1997. The day deportation defense died.

Almost.

Left in a coma-like state by Newt Gingrich and his Congressional cronies, the concept of fairness in immigration law became a …

Newt Gingrich: Immigration Remorse Or Political Opportunism?

Carlos Batara — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:04:57 +0000

Newt Gingrich: The Grinch Who Stole Immigration Reform

Newt Gingrich as the new savior of immigration?

Bah! Humbug!

Having practiced deportation defense in the 1990s, I am no Johnny-come-lately to immigration issues.

I remember the xenophobic backlash led by Gingrich …

Deportation Statistics And Political Deceit

Carlos Batara — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:26:54 +0000

Deportation Statistics And The 2012 Elections

In recent weeks, there has been a flurry of news about deportation statistics.

Unfortunately, many of the headlines contradict each other.

For instance:…

On October 18, 2011, USA Today announced “Most illegal immigrants deported

Immigration Panel Review, Low Priority Cases, And Prosecutorial Discretion

Carlos Batara — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 05:49:57 +0000

Obama’s Deportation Review Panel: Legal Substance Or Political Stunt?

When the idea of a deportation review panel was initially floated, I was skeptical it would get off the ground.

Now, given recent information shared by Janet Napolitano, DHS Secretary, in …

Deportation Politics

Carlos Batara — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:50:05 +0000

The Politics Of Deportations: Immigrants As Election Fodder

The immigration judge was not in a good mood.

Before my client’s removal hearing began, the judge scolded the detention officer.

As a deportation defense lawyer, it was clear the Immigration and …

The Visa Waiver Program: No Room For Love

Carlos Batara — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:32:38 +0000

The Visa Waiver Program And The Cold Heart Of ICE: No Room For Love

Love happens.

More often than not, love happens unexpectedly.

For immigrants who have entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, love can lead to deportation …

Green Card Holders At Risk

Carlos Batara — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:08:40 +0000

Immigration Appeals: A New Attack On Permanent Residents?

When it comes to immigration law, what the Obama administration giveth, the Obama administration taketh away.

In mid-August, the administration announced it would suspend deportations against undocumented immigrants if they did not …

The False Promises Of Padilla v. Kentucky

Carlos Batara — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:39:54 +0000

Padilla v. Kentucky: More Bark Than Bite

Last summer I cheered when Padilla v. Kentucky was announced.

As a green card lawyer, I thought the Supreme Court had provided immigrants with a new weapon against unfair deportations.…

The Supreme Court Speaks

The New Obama Plan: More Political Smoke On Immigration Reform

Carlos Batara — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 04:10:56 +0000

Obama’s New Deportation Policy: Still A Long Road To Immigration Reform

Very soon, on the issue of immigration reform, the Obama administration will have to fish or cut bait.

Back in October, before the smoke cleared from the 2010 mid-term …