The media has been full of stories in recent months of immigrants who are stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents (CBP) while traveling near border zones, many of whom had a legal immigration status. This has only added to the atmosphere of fear as immigrants, whether they are undocumented or not, travel near the border. Many individuals also have raised questions about the scope of CBP and their rights while traveling in the border zone. In fact, CBP has a much larger reach than most people realize. CBP can stop individuals, even boarding vehicles and vessels, to search of undocumented immigrants, so long as they are “within a reasonable distance from any external boundary of the U.S.” According to the federal government, a “reasonable distance” stretches 100 air miles from any external boundary of the U.S. Not only does this apply to the U.S.-Mexico border, but it also applies to the entire U.S. coastline. CPB also claims that it can conduct warrantless searches of buses and trains anywhere within that 100-mile border. This expanded border zone is home to two-thirds of the U.S. population, which amounts to about 200 million people, according to the 2010 U.S. census. This is the case because most of the 10 largest cities in the U.S. fall within the border zone, as well as the population of entire states, such as Florida. Given the current focus of the federal government on immigration enforcement, there may come a time in the near future when you need help with various legal matters, including representation in deportation proceedings. The deportation defense lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., pride themselves on aggressively representing the interests of those immigrants who are facing potential deportation by American immigration authorities. Our goal is to gather evidence in your favor, build on a strong case on your behalf, and develop a strategy that is best designed to help you remain in the United States and move on with your life. The earlier we can get started with your case, the more likely you are to prevail in your deportation proceedings. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and learn what we can do to assist you.
