And can you believe this, a 64-year-old green card holder, Lewelyn Dixon, who has been living in the United States for five decades, is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Washington state? (I mean, what’s next, right?) Her niece, Emily Cristobal, told Newsweek via email that her aunt, who she affectionately calls “Aunty Lyn,” was first detained by Customs Border Patrol on February 28 and was being held at SEA-TAC airport – you know, just your average, everyday, completely-not-at-all-alarming detention of a permanent resident.
But, apparently, this is all part of the ICE crackdown under the Trump administration, because, you know, mass deportations are just what this country needs (said no one ever). And, of course, President Donald Trump has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, because why not, right? I mean, it’s not like we have better things to spend our time and resources on.
But, let’s get back to Dixon’s story, which is just one of many examples of how our lovely immigration system is working (or not working, depending on how you look at it). According to her lawyer, Benjamin Osorio, Dixon has a single conviction from 2001 for embezzlement, which, might I add, is a non-violent crime, and she received a whopping 30 days in a halfway house and a $6,400 fine – wow, what a dangerous criminal. And, apparently, this conviction has triggered her detention, because, you know, the U.S. government is just so concerned about the safety of its citizens (eyeroll). You can find more information about immigration reform on Amazon.
And, by the way, have you seen the Republican base’s response to Trump’s immigration policies? It’s like they’re all drinking the same Kool-Aid or something (just saying). But, in all seriousness, this is a complex issue that requires a lot of thought and consideration, not just some blanket statements and policies that are going to hurt a lot of people. As Democrats and other critics have pointed out, there are many problems with the current system, and we need to find a way to fix them that is fair and just for everyone.
But, anyway, back to Dixon’s case, which is just a perfect example of how our immigration system is broken. According to Osorio, Dixon is “not bond eligible, but ICE could choose to parole her” – because, you know, the U.S. government is just so generous and compassionate (not). And, apparently, parole is “pretty much dead these days” – wow, what a wonderful system we have. You can find more information about immigration law on Amazon.
And, let’s not forget about the Palestinian protester Mahmoud Khalil, who is also fighting deportation – because, you know, the U.S. government loves to pick on vulnerable people. But, seriously, this is a big deal, and we need to pay attention to these cases, because they’re not just about individual people, they’re about the entire system and how it’s failing us.
But, what’s next for Dixon? Well, according to her niece, her earliest scheduled hearing is set for July 17 – because, you know, the U.S. government loves to drag these things out and make people suffer. And, apparently, Osorio is “pushing for an earlier hearing if something opens up” – because, you know, justice delayed is justice denied (or something like that). You can find more information about immigration attorneys on Amazon.
And, finally, let’s just say that this whole situation is a big mess, and we need to fix it – like, now. As immigration reform books would suggest, we need a more comprehensive approach to immigration, one that takes into account the complexities of the issue and the human impact of our policies. But, until then, we’re just going to have to keep fighting for justice and fairness, one case at a time.