Surge in Immigration Inquiries in the Inland Northwest
In recent months, immigration law firms and organizations in the Inland Northwest have reported a notable increase in inquiries and requests for legal assistance. This uptick is largely attributed to heightened immigration enforcement and changing regulations, prompting individuals and employers to seek legal guidance.
High Demand for Legal Assistance
Hector Quiroga, co-founder of the Spokane Valley-based Quiroga Law Office PLLC, describes a significant rise in client inquiries, with the firm receiving as many as 150 calls per hour. “We’re definitely overwhelmed,” Quiroga commented, indicating that the volume of calls includes both new clients and individuals who are now ready to proceed with previously paused cases.
Many inquiries are from people who had prior consultations but delayed action, as well as former clients seeking to renew expired work permits. The firm is prioritizing ongoing cases before accommodating new clients, while employers are also reaching out for advice on how to support their workforce amid the evolving landscape.
Focus on I-9 Compliance and Deportation Defense
Alycia Moss, a partner at Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley LLP in Coeur d’Alene, highlights two primary reasons for the surge in calls. The first is related to Form I-9 audits and employer compliance issues. The Employment Eligibility Verification form is crucial for employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of new hires.
“Many employers we speak to are uncertain about their responsibilities regarding I-9 compliance,” Moss explained. “Some have never received a notice of inspection and are unaware of the necessity to have completed I-9 forms for all employees.” The stakes are high, as penalties for non-compliance can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Notably, the hospitality and trades sectors are experiencing an increase in inspection notices, which puts pressure on employers to ensure their I-9 forms are accurate and complete. Moss advises conducting internal audits to correct any potential errors proactively.
Increasing Deportation Concerns
The second wave of inquiries relates to deportation defense and enforcement matters. Moss notes an uptick in the number of individuals facing detention, with cases being reopened that were previously administratively closed. The enactment of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of individuals charged with offenses ranging from petty theft to more serious crimes, has amplified these concerns.
It’s essential for employers to understand how to prepare for potential inspections or raids, as federal agents may target an employee, leading to collateral detentions of others within the workplace. This can severely impact workforce stability, making legal preparedness critical.
Challenges Facing Legal Aid Organizations
In response to the heightened demand for immigration legal services, Samuel Smith, an attorney with Manzanita House and director of immigrant legal aid, reports that their organization is also facing significant capacity challenges. “We want to ensure that we can adequately represent those in detention, but increased requests complicate our workload,” he explained.
Manzanita House specializes in family-based immigration and humanitarian law and has seen more people requesting support for in-person check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices. Although these check-ins can be relatively smooth processes, clients are understandably concerned about the risk of detention during these appointments.
Furthermore, executive orders affecting federally funded programs have created an additional layer of uncertainty for organizations like Manzanita House, causing interruptions in vital services.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Future
Both legal firms and aid organizations stress the importance of staying informed about immigration rules and the associated risks. Employers are encouraged to be proactive in compliance and to engage with their congressional representatives to advocate for changes that could improve the immigration landscape.
The current climate of increasing inquiries and regulatory action serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration law and the continued need for accessible legal resources in the Inland Northwest.
