Aug 06
Washington Traffic Tickets Can Lead To Deportation Proceedings for Immigrants
Police in several towns in King and Snohomish counties are toughening their approach to immigration (even legal immigration!) by arresting drivers that police suspect of being illegal, the Seattle Times reported. Take the case of Jose Luis Diaz: he was pulled over for speeding and detained by authorities for 8 days before he could present the proper paperwork to an immigration judge. In fact, Mr. Diaz was released after he was able to show that his wife is a U.S. citizen and that he is in the process of obtaining legal status. Of course, Mr. Diaz's arrest did not come before he lost a good job (and good wages). Other drivers who are going to pay parking tickets ended up being detained by immigration agents. This is happening in places such as Pacific, Lynnwood, and Bothell. If motorists do not take care of their tickets, these same drivers will have a tough time renewing their drivers' licenses, working for American businesses, and maintaining insurance. If you received a speeding or other traffic ticket and you are worried about your legal status, you can still fight your ticket without going to jail or being detained by immigration authorities. Give me a call if you want help fighting your ticket.
