I am deeply troubled by the recent memo released by the federal government that mandates immigrants in the United States to return to their country of origin to adjust their status. This policy is not just a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s tearing apart families, that are LEGALLY in the US, including those working with ARISE, an organization dedicated to supporting immigrant and refugee families facing unimaginable challenges. 

This is an unnecessary hurdle on families that are following the LAW by the BOOK. The memo was released following the brutal policy that completely dismantled the prospects of immigration visa from 75 countries that has impacted my country of origin as well. Other people from 19 countries are completely barred from entering the US.  This administration asks immigrants to follow the legal pathways to America but  has completely shut them down. Becuase of the earlier policy changes, numerous families awaiting their family members to join them would be doing so indefinitely. 

But this memo's impact is even devastating.  Families that are already in the United States legally and actively contributing to their communities are now being forced into a situation where they are being asked to leave their homes and return to a country that they may not have set foot in for years, at the expense of huge mental and financial cost, just to adjust their status. And how are the people returning to those 94 countries on the "NO immigration list" going to apply for their adjustments, even if they chose to do so, when the doors to their consulates are completely shut down. The intention of the administration is crystal clear. It is closing doors on immigrants especially from the third world.

Forcing law-abiding, immigrant residents to return to potentially unsafe countries is an unfair and harsh directive that doesn’t reflect the American values of compassion and fairness to legal immigrants who have contributed to this country for so long.

Consider the human cost. Imagine being forced to leave behind your job, your children's schools, and the life you’ve worked hard to build, just to comply with a sudden memo. The mental health implications and emotional distress caused by such separations can be devastating, not to mention the economic impact on communities losing integral members who contribute significantly to the family and local economies.

This policy must be reconsidered and revised to allow immigrants who are already in the country to adjust their status without having to return to conditions that might be dangerous, and where their lives could be at risk. We propose that a more humane, reasonable, and practical approach be adopted, one which allows for status adjustments to be processed without the requirement of leaving the country.

Families should never be separated under the guise of immigration control. This immigration crack down on legal immigrants, after the inhumane ICE arrests and deportation of undocumented family members, is being perceived as a fear tactic for self deportation of legall immigrants residing in the states. We urge the federal government to review this memo immediately and implement changes that reflect equity, human dignity, and compassion for those who legally entered the country as the administration is touting to support the LEGAL immigration.

Please sign this petition to demand that the federal government prioritize justice and humanity in its immigration policies. We are aware that this is an uphill battle and the chances of  reconsideration are slim to none. But we must not give up. We need to focus on the action we can take without getting worried about the results of our actions. This is important for the families who are too afraid to voice their concerns. Together, we can make a difference for the countless families on the brink of separation. Please sign and share! 

Mukesh Baral

Executive Director

ARISE