To stop ICE: Experts recommend carrying three residency documents for new checks

Following a court decision that overturned a block on expedited removal in certain cases, immigration experts are advising individuals in the United States to carry documentation proving at least two years of continuous presence. This measure aims to help people avoid complications with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which can use expedited removal to deport individuals quickly without a full immigration hearing.

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the central point is to show an official that the person has been inside the U.S. for more than two years.

The "Make the Road New York et al. v. Markwayne Mullin" ruling clarified that Congress established a process for rapid deportation of certain non-citizens. If an immigration officer determines a person is inadmissible and no exceptions apply, they can order expulsion without a standard immigration trial or administrative review. Unlike other immigration procedures that can take years, expedited removal can often be completed in a matter of days.

Armando Olmedo, vice president and general immigration counsel at Televisa Univision, emphasized the importance of proving continuous residency. He noted that many individuals do not carry physical evidence of their time in the U.S., which an officer might require during a stop. Experts suggest preparing a packet with simple, verifiable documents like birth certificates, payment stubs, and tax filings to demonstrate dates and continuous residence.

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many people do not carry that evidence in their daily lives. He also maintained that an agent may not accept a statement if there is no physical backup available during a check.

Olmedo also advised having a "family plan" for those without regular status who are vulnerable to accelerated deportation. The concern extends beyond undocumented individuals, as Olmedo mentioned that even migrants with legal status and U.S. citizens may face uncertainty due to the ruling.

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a family plan