2024 Election: How Does This Affect Me?
The contents of this page does not constitute legal advice. The authors are not lawyers and do not claim legal expertise. Readers are encouraged to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
How Does This Affect Me?
The election of Donald Trump will affect almost everyone from Guatemala and other Central American countries in some way or another. How it affects you depends on your current status.
I have a green card
We are not a lawyers but this is what we think: If you already have a green card, you are most likely fine for now. A green card makes you a permanent legal resident so you do not fall under the campaign rhetoric. However, you still want to talk with your lawyer because laws may change over time. Current laws may change, and if the anti-immigrant sentiment in this country grows, you may still be at risk.
I am applying for a green card
We are not a lawyers but this is what we think: If you are in the green card application process, then you do not have permanent legal resident status. Under current law, you should be getting that, but there is no guarantee. It is possible that your application for a green card gets denied, and you will have to work with your lawyer to appeal that decision.
I am working toward legal status
We are not a lawyers but this is what we think: If you are working with a lawyer toward your legal status, immigration knows about you, but is leaving you alone right now. Under current law, that is fine, but that may change quickly. Make sure you contact your lawyer and ask your lawyer what you can do if that changes.
I am not in deportation status
We are not a lawyers but this is what we think: If you were registered at entry (got an “A” number) but are not working with a lawyer toward legal status (maybe because you arrived not too long ago), immigration knows about you, and may very well come after you. You should strongly consider to get a lawyer and talk with the lawyer about your options.
I am currently in deportation status
We are not a lawyers but this is what we think: You may be at risk shortly after January 20. You are known to immigration, and there is already a deportation order against you. This is likely where they will start with their promised “mass deportations.” You should strongly consider to get a lawyer and talk with the lawyer about your options.
I do not have any status at all
We are not a lawyers but this is what we think: If you came into the US without any interactions with immigration, you may feel you are safe, because immigration doesn’t know about you. Don’t rely on that. You can expect immigration to come and visit work places and other places where undocumented people tend to come together, and try and find undocumented immigrants. They are allowed to do random traffic stops anywhere within 100 miles of the border (which includes much of Maryland) to find undocumented immigrants. It is important to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible.