Thousands of immigrants in the United States face fear and confusion due to frequent changes in immigration enforcement. Without clear guidance, many individuals make rushed decisions based on rumours or fall victim to unlicensed advisors. These errors often lead to complicated cases and put their future in the country at significant risk.
To combat this misinformation, Nayela Esmail Giga, Managing Attorney and Founder of Legal Defense USA, provides reliable deportation defence and clear legal strategies. With over a decade of experience and a personal understanding of the immigrant journey, she helps families secure their rights. We spoke with Nayela to discuss the most common immigration pitfalls and how to approach the system safely.
Q: You have warned about the rise of unlicensed immigration advisors. How can families identify these scams and protect themselves from bad advice?
Nayela Giga: It is very important to research the individual you are speaking to before giving them any money. If they are an attorney, they will appear on a state bar website. Research the attorney, ask them questions of why and what this means. Every experienced attorney is able to explain what you qualify for, what your options are, what the complications in your case are, and why you should apply or not apply for something. If they are only asking for money and not answering your questions, find another person for a second opinion. Make sure you understand what is happening before you pay large sums to anyone.
Q: Fear often drives people to make rushed legal decisions. What is the first step an individual should take before applying for an adjustment of status or asylum?
Nayela Giga: The first step is speaking to the right attorney. Nothing is guaranteed in life or in immigration. However, a qualified attorney will be able to explore your options and help you understand the strengths and weaknesses in your case. When you know this information, fear comes down and you can make the right decision for you and your family. Knowledge is the power and tool you need to lower your fear.
Q: You noted that many immigrants miss out on legal opportunities simply because they do not know their rights. Can you share an example of a relief option people frequently overlook?
Nayela Giga: There are many applications available that people overlook because of fear. For example, if you are a victim of a crime, you may qualify for a U-visa. If you were abused, you may qualify for protection under VAWA. If you have been here for more than 10 years, you may qualify for cancellation of removal. There are many options available, but they need a lot of analysis to know if someone is eligible for them or not.
Q: Social media is full of rumours regarding the future of TPS protections and work permits. How do you advise clients to filter through this noise and find facts?
Nayela Giga: There is a lot happening on TPS right now. Everything is uncertain and there are many rumors floating around. In my office, my TPS clients know to call my office if they have any questions. When there is an update or a change in my client’s case, we notify them immediately. They know to wait for my call or to call me rather than trust what they see online.
Q: As an immigrant yourself, you bring a unique perspective to your legal practice. How does your personal experience shape the way you advocate for clients facing deportation?
Nayela Giga: As an immigrant, I understand the fear, anxiety, and sacrifice families go through. The only way I can help with that fear and anxiety is helping my clients understand their case, what the law says, what their options are, and what protections they have. I believe in transparency as everyone should know what happened in their case and why. In situations when immigration solutions cannot be guaranteed, it is important for everyone to know what the pathway is, what the complications are, and what the odds are. Knowing they have someone protecting them, brings peace and hope. This is what shapes my firm and how we fight for our clients.
The US immigration landscape requires careful attention and verified information. Relying on unlicensed advisors or social media rumours often leads to severe consequences, including deportation. Understanding personal rights and seeking licensed legal counsel are the most effective ways to avoid these mistakes.
As immigration policies continue to shift, having a trusted advocate will become even more important for immigrant families. By securing expert guidance from professionals at Legal Defense USA, individuals can face complex legal challenges with confidence and establish a stable future.
To learn more, visit https://legaldefenseusa.com/