Sure, the gentleman described in this article in the New York Times , should pay a fine for failing to pay his light rail fare. But, does anyone really believe deporting this person accomplishes anything other than appeasing extreme and hysterical anti-immigrant sentiments?
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
Thank you to the Denver City Council for unanimously approving changes to the city municipal code that will reduce the maximum possible penalties for certain criminal convictions. Read the full Denver Post article here.
These changes will reduce the chances of deportation for immigrants, whether documented or not, convicted of relatively minor crimes.
Timothy R. Bakken
As reported in USA Today, ICE has arrested 38% percent more undocumented immigrants so far this year as compared to last year. More disturbing, though, is the fact that arrests of those with no criminal record increased 156%!
Timothy R. Bakken.
All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have rights. Please find the full information in this document that you can download and print.
Timothy R. Bakken
Lawyer
BAKKEN LAW: Trump has been one of the least effective presidents early in his first term when it comes to tangible legislative and policy results. However, he has been extremely effective at creating a climate of fear and anxiety in immigrant communities as well as in businesses and industries that rely on immigrants. Read this CNN article about Trump's first 100 days here.
Time will tell if this anti-immigrant tone and approach will translate to comprehensive changes in the law. At the very least, it seems likely that the United States under Trump will be less welcoming to, and provide less opportunities for, immigrants whether they seek to enter the U.S. to protect their lives, to support their families, or to contribute positively in all the ways immigrants have for centuries.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
Despite Trump’s assertions that he is focusing on deporting immigrants with serious criminal convictions and those who pose risks to national security, the reality is starkly different. As this article in The Guardian describes, Trump’s immigration policies are being enforced by ICE agents who are arresting, and placing in removal proceedings, people with very minor, or no, criminal records.
A recent poll shows that a large majority of Americans favor immigration rules that do not punish those who have been in the U.S. illegally if they have been working, paying taxes, and have not been convicted of serious crimes.
Clearly, the Trump administration’s immigration proposals and its current actions related to deportation policy are out-of-step with the views of most Americans.
Timothy R. Bakken
