State Department accuses Hispanic U.S. citizens of being illegal

On Behalf of | Sep 6, 2018 | Citizenship

Since the current administration took charge of the White House, attacks on U.S. immigrants have been widespread—particularly targeting Muslim and Hispanic groups. The administration has gone after migrants, asylum seekers and children. Now, it’s even going after its own citizens.

Recently, there has been a growing number of Hispanic U.S. citizens whose passports are suddenly being denied. They were born in the U.S. and have American birth certificates. They have lived, worked and voted in this country. Some of them have served in the U.S. military. Yet suddenly, their citizenship is being challenged.

In some cases, a Hispanic U.S. citizen—in preparation for international travel—submits a standard passport renewal application. The State Department rejects their application, informing the applicant that the government believes their birth certificate to be fake. Many applicants have been put in immigration detention facilities over this unfounded accusation, and others are even facing deportation.

There are other cases of Hispanic U.S. citizens who travel to Mexico on vacation. When they try to return home, however, they are denied re-entry at the U.S. border. Customs officials then try to coerce them into admitting they were actually born in Mexico.

Immigration attorneys along the Texas border report that the number of such cases is on the rise. Current estimates indicate that hundreds—possibly even thousands—of U.S. citizens have faced such treatment.

If you are a U.S. citizen who has been wrongfully accused of being an illegal immigrant, it’s important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney immediately. Having a strong advocate on your side is paramount to preserving your freedom.