Kwon Jab Mijak: Oktak ñan Kakien ko an Immigration – Chikin Meļeļe

Since his second inauguration on January 20th, the U.S. president has issued several actions and signed executive orders suspending federal funding for health and medical research and federal diversity programs, withdrawing from agreements on climate change, and changing immigration policies.  Some of these executive orders related to immigration have been particularly alarming.  One of the orders aims to fast-track deportations and skip due process.  Another has changed the policy preventing officials from detaining people from public schools and hospitals.

Some of these executive orders related to immigration have been particularly alarming.  One of the orders aims to fast-track deportations and skip due process.  Another has changed the policy preventing officials from detaining people from public schools and hospitals.  Many schools have communicated how they plan to respond if ice officials come into the school. In addition to these actions, thousands of people were deported to Mexico and Columbia. 

We have confirmed that officers have been visiting work sites, stores, and homes.  Current information from ICE indicate that a number of Micronesians and Marshallese may have been detained over the past year. During the pandemic, when borders were closed, immigration could not proceed with deportations and released some of these people. However, they communicated with the Consulate that these people could still be subject to deportation.

Several states, including Arkansas and Utah, participate in the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program. County law enforcement share booking records of “resident aliens” with DHS and ICE.  These records include their names, release date, and home and work addresses.  Marshallese organizations in Arkansas know whose information was shared and previously informed these people so that they can be aware and prepared.

Current information from ICE indicate that a number of Micronesians and Marshallese have been detained and deported over the past year. During the pandemic, when borders were closed, immigration could not proceed with deportations and released some of these people. However, they communicated with the Consulate that these people could still be subject to deportation. We have confirmed that officers have been visiting work sites, stores, and homes in Arkansas. 

It is important to remember: The president is doing this all at once to make a show of force.  It is meant to make him look strong and to create fear. The law guarantees that all students receive free public education, regardless of their immigration status.  Schools do not collect or keep any information about the immigration status of students.  Immigration officials cannot request information from schools regarding immigration status.

Marshallese have the right to live and work in the United States under the Compact.  Marshallese are only subject to deportation if they have ever been convicted of certain crimes.  A person detained by ICE has the right to make their case in immigration court. 

RMI and FSM Consulates have advised citizens to secure a current passport and their i94 entry information.  The RMI Consulate has provided information about renewing your passport and retrieving your i94 entry information.  Please contact the Consulate at 479-419-9332 or your local Marshallese community leaders for help.

The RMI Consulate recommends that you keep a current passport and i94 information in a safe place in your home. These documents are provided when applying for a driver’s license or employment. If asked for identification at work or on the street by an officer, you can provide your id card. If they ask for your passport, then you can tell the officer that it is at home. The Consulate is considering different solutions for documentation while people wait for their passports to be renewed or issued.

A few things to know if approached by an immigration officer: If approached at work, at the store or outside your home, ask to see the warrant for arrest and check it is validated by the signature of a judge. Ask if you are free to leave and calmly walk away. They have to have a valid warrant to enter your home or detain you.  They might have a document but it isn’t a warrant.  So, check for the signature and call someone for help.  Bystanders (someone else) has the right to record the actions of the officers and they should share the video with community leaders.  There is information in Marshallese about what to do if an officer comes to your home or approaches you outside of your home. These cards are being distributed by hand from local Marshallese organizations.