Deportation chaos: Hundreds of Hungarians in the U.S. face uncertain future!
Stricter immigration measures in the United States are affecting an increasing number of foreign nationals, including Hungarians. Those who are in the country on expired visas or without authorisation are treated the same as any other illegal immigrants. Despite Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s good relations with Donald Trump, this does not benefit Hungarian citizens who are detained and deported by the US authorities.
During Donald Trump’s presidency, US immigration authorities, particularly ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), introduced drastic measures to curb illegal residence. According to 24.hu, the aim is to deport people living illegally in the country through fast-track deportation. This policy applies not only to Latin American immigrants but also to anyone who has overstayed or taken a job illegally.
When a person is detained by ICE, they are first taken to an immigration detention facility, where deportation proceedings are initiated. It is extremely difficult to get out, and in many cases, individuals have to spend weeks or months in detention before their removal is enforced. In some cases, even those who have been living in the US for a long time but have expired papers may be detained.
How might this affect Hungarians living in the USA?
Every day, the authorities arrest and deport people who cannot prove their legal residence. According to a US immigration lawyer, hundreds of Hungarians may have been detained in immigration detention. Many of them have come to the US under the ESTA programme, which allows for stays of up to 90 days, but have remained in the country beyond that period.
In the past, some US states, such as New York, California, and Illinois, offered a relatively safe haven for illegal residents, but restrictions have been imposed in these regions too. ICE raids are increasingly affecting these states, and they are no longer safe havens for overstaying Hungarians.
Due to increased scrutiny and strict immigration policies, more and more Hungarians are choosing to voluntarily leave the United States before they are detained by authorities. Advocates are advising those who have expired visas or may have other problems with their residence permits to be cautious and avoid situations that could bring them to the attention of the police or other authorities.
Accurate statistics are not available on how many Hungarians are illegally residing in the United States, but it is estimated that hundreds of Hungarians are involved in deportation proceedings every year. In the fiscal year 2023, for example, 959 Hungarian nationals were registered as having overstayed. This rate is considered low among US immigrants, but a significant number of people could still be affected by the tightening measures.
Immigration lawyers say one of the most important steps is not to wait until the authorities take action. If you are overstaying in the country, it is worth consulting an immigration professional who can help you find the best solution. For those who are still planning a trip to the US, it is advisable to find out in advance about the rules of entry and possible legal consequences.
Read also:
- Daily Telegraph: Trump considers sending U.S. troops to Hungary
- Could PM Orbán’s Fidesz really expel Hungarian nationals who hold dual citizenship?
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