Receiving a notice from immigration authorities telling you to leave the country can be alarming, especially if you are a U.S. citizen. While such situations are rare, they can occur due to administrative errors or mistaken identity.
**What to Do Immediately:**
1. **Stay Calm and Assert Your Citizenship:** Clearly and calmly state that you are a U.S. citizen. Provide any documentation you have readily available, such as a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of citizenship.
2. **Do Not Sign Anything You Don't Understand:** Carefully review any documents presented to you. If you're unsure about something, don't sign it. Seek legal advice first.
3. **Gather Proof of Citizenship:** Collect any documentation that proves your U.S. citizenship. This may include:
* U.S. Birth Certificate
* U.S. Passport
* Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
* State-issued Identification Card or Driver's License
* School records or other documents showing long-term residency in the U.S.
4. **Contact an Immigration Attorney Immediately:** This is the most crucial step. An experienced immigration attorney can advise you on your rights and represent you in dealing with immigration authorities. They can help correct any errors and prevent wrongful deportation.
5. **Keep a Record of All Interactions:** Document every conversation, meeting, and document you receive from immigration officials. Note the date, time, location, and the names of the individuals you spoke with.
**Why This Might Happen:**
Misidentification is a common cause. Immigration authorities may have incorrect information or may have confused your identity with someone else. Sometimes, outdated records or data entry errors can also lead to these situations.
**Prevention is Key:**
While it's impossible to completely prevent errors, maintaining accurate records of your citizenship and reporting any changes in your status (e.g., address changes) can help minimize the risk of such incidents.
If you find yourself in this situation, remember that you have rights. Assert your citizenship, gather proof, and seek legal counsel immediately to protect yourself.
If Immigration Tells You to Leave: What US Citizens Need to Know
Have you been told by immigration authorities that you need to leave the United States, even though you are a U.S. citizen? This can be a frightening situation. It's important to know your rights and what steps to take. This article provides guidance on how to handle such a situation and protect your citizenship.
Source: Read the original article at NBC