Nonprofits House Migrants in Abandoned Hotels Amid Immigration Delays

Last week Texas Rep. Lance Gooden initiated a call to action to prevent migrants from entering the United States illegally. This comes after a whistleblower discovered select non-profits were transporting adults, children, and families to abandoned hotels in California – including The Four Points, Wyndham, and Ramada Inn.

According to Fox News, non-profits provided each migrant with a packet on how to assimilate once they’ve arrived. Though this is a tempting offer for those who might have long processing delays or have been trying to gain entry for years, an immigration lawyer would strongly advise against paying for people trafficking services.

Migrant smuggling is a practice in which someone will bring immigrants into a country illegally. In the U.S., transporting or harboring anyone without a valid visa is a criminal offense. Smugglers can face between 5 – 10 years in prison. Deportation is another consequence for those sponsoring family members who have not yet been naturalized, which would require immediate criminal immigration defense.

The Texas lawmaker believes that hotels that were previously used as shelters are now housing migrant families. In one day, as many as 100 people arrive at the three hotel locations previously mentioned. Unlike past years, each person is taken for testing before departing and going their separate ways across the country. Unaccompanied kids often pair with sponsors who are already living in the U.S., sources say.

This scandal comes just months after the Biden administration has amended or rescinded Trump-era policies reducing the number of immigrants who could apply to live or work here. Most recently, the migrant protection protocols are holding thousands in regulated camps within Mexico until their hearings.

Applying for a visa is not always a straightforward process. For struggling applicants, there’s a chance that they might be making the same mistakes or overlooking an essential qualification. Utilizing the services of an immigration law firm can significantly increase the chance of acceptance and access to other paths that might be a better fit.