The Laken Riley Act: What Immigrants Need to Know
The Laken Riley Act is a new law in the United States that increases immigration enforcement. It’s important for immigrants, especially those without legal status, to understand how this law works and what it could mean for them.
What Is the Laken Riley Act?
This law requires U.S. immigration authorities to arrest and detain certain immigrants who have been accused of specific crimes. This means that if an immigrant is accused of committing one of these crimes, they can be held in detention and may not be allowed to ask for release while their immigration case is being decided. Even if the accusation is false or their criminal charges are dropped, the immigrant can still be detained and possibly deported.
How Does This Law Work?
- Immigration officials must detain immigrants who do not have legal status or proper documentation and have been accused of certain crimes.
- These crimes include:
- Burglary (breaking into a place to steal something);
- Theft or larceny (taking property or something that does not belong to you);
- Shoplifting (stealing from a store);
- Assaulting a police officer; and
- Any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury to another person.
- Under this law, no conviction is required – even being falsely accused of one of the above crimes is enough for an immigrant to face detention.
Who Is Affected?
- Immigrants without legal status who are accused of any of the crimes listed above must be detained.
- Some immigrants may be held in detention without the chance to ask a judge for release in immigration court, even if they have not been convicted.
- Some immigrants who were previously not detained or released on immigration bond may now face arrest under this stricter enforcement.
What Can Immigrants Do?
- Know your rights. Regardless of immigration status, you do not have to answer questions about your status without speaking to a lawyer.
- Stay informed. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities under the new law.
- Seek legal advice. If you have concerns about your status or potential risks, consulting with an immigration attorney can help you understand your options.
Want More Information?
If you have questions about the Laken Riley Act and how it affects your immigration status, contact the Law Firm of Anna Korneeva today at (513) 334-3008.
