A report from the Government Accountability Office reveals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained pregnant individuals more than 4,600 times between 2016 and 2018. These numbers increased sharply during this time period due to a Trump-era rule that ended a “presumption of release” for all pregnant detainees.
In a recent effort to soften immigration policies enacted by the former president, the Biden Administration announced earlier this month that immigration enforcement against pregnant, postpartum, or nursing women would be eased.
The Unique Needs of Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals
According to the new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy, ICE officers will not detain or arrest undocumented individuals in the U.S. who have had a baby within the past year or who are nursing. Additionally, the policy uses gender-neutral language in order to recognize the fact that transgender men can give birth.
Acting ICE Director, Tae D. Johnson, said in a statement that officials recognize the “unique needs” of pregnant individuals and those who just gave birth. He also stated that the policy reflects the agency’s commitment to “ treat all individuals with respect and dignity while still enforcing our nation’s laws.”
Our Immigration Attorneys Are Here for You
If you need assistance with your immigration journey, the board-certified immigration attorneys at Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. are here to help you achieve your American Dream. For over 40 years, we have been fearlessly advocating for our clients in a wide-range of immigration services. It is our mission to practice the law while ensuring that we follow a moral compass and provide each client with the ethical, compassionate, and loyal legal representation that they deserve.
To learn more about how we may be able to assist you and your family, contact our team at (800) 708-4399 today! We have seven convenient offices located across the country, so we are prepared to help you wherever you may be.
