For many years, a common practice of border patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Southern California was to pressure individuals who had recently crossed the border into signing "Voluntary Return" orders to expedite their cases. These officers assured the immigrants that by signing, nothing would happen to them. On occasion, it is reported that sometimes the officers even threatened them into signing.
Many of these individuals had no significant criminal background and could have benefited from some immigration relief if they had taken their cases to an Immigration Judge, but were not informed of their options and consequences of signing those Voluntary Return orders.
In 2013, a class-action lawsuit was filed to prevent these unlawful practices and to give a chance to those immigrants to have their cases heard in immigration court. The class was just certified by a United States District Court judge, which means that if an individual fits certain qualifications, they can apply to be part of the class and will potentially be allowed to reenter the country and seek legal status.
To apply to be part of the class, a person needs to:
1. Have signed a "Voluntary Return" form between June 1, 2009 and August 28, 2014 and been removed to Mexico;
2. Have had a reasonable claim to reside in the U.S. lawfully at the time the "Voluntary Return" form was signed;
3. Have been processed by Border Patrol (CBP) officers in Southern California or ICE officers from the Southern California Offices; and
4. Be physically present in Mexico at the time of submission of application for class membership.
Applying for membership in this class will allow qualifying individuals to potentially be reunited with their families and get Permanent Resident Status depending on each individual case.
If you believe you or someone you know can benefit under this lawsuit, please contact Grzeca Law Group at (414) 342-3000 or visit our website at www.grzecalaw.com.
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