Trump’s Deportation Crackdown: List of Essential Documents to Prevent Deportation in the US
As the Trump administration ramps up its mass deportation efforts, undocumented immigrants in the United States are increasingly at risk of removal. To avoid deportation, it is crucial for immigrants to secure the proper legal documents, which vary based on their immigration status. Having the right paperwork is vital for maintaining lawful residence in the US.
According to BBC News, more than 3,000 undocumented Nigerians are facing deportation. These individuals are listed on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) non-detained docket, with final orders of removal issued in November 2024. Additionally, as reported by Fox News, Nigeria ranks as the second-highest African country for deportations, after Somalia, with other countries like Ghana and Senegal also affected.
Under Trump, Immigration Enforcement Has Increased
Immigration enforcement efforts have grown under President Trump’s administration, as deportation has become a top priority. A nationwide operation on January 27, 2025, led to the arrest of 956 individuals, following previous raids that resulted in hundreds of arrests throughout the week. As of November 2024, over a million non-US citizens were on the ICE non-detainee register, all under final removal orders, many due to illegal entry.
Essential Documents to Stay in the US Legally
To avoid deportation, immigrants must ensure they possess the necessary documentation. The primary documents required are:
• A valid passport and the appropriate visa for your purpose of stay, such as a work, family, or asylum visa. • Proof of relationship to a US citizen or sponsor, when applicable.
Additional documents that may be required include:
• Employment offers • Birth certificates • Marriage certificates • Financial records to prove self-sufficiency while in the US. Without these, immigrants are at greater risk of deportation.
Required Documents for Different Immigration Pathways
The documents needed to remain in the US differ depending on the immigration status or pathway being followed:
• Permanent Residency (Green Card): To apply for a Green Card, applicants need a valid passport, an immigration visa, Form I-551 (Green Card), and proof of relationship to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, if applicable. • Employment-based Immigration: Applicants must submit Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document), a job offer letter from a US employer, Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), and potentially a Labor Certification. • Family-based Immigration: Immigrants must submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and, if applicable, birth and marriage certificates. • Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary Stay): Applicants need a valid passport, the relevant non-immigrant visa, and supporting documentation, such as an acceptance letter for a student visa.
Ensuring Legal Stay in the US
With deportations becoming a major focus of the Trump administration, immigrants must have the correct documentation to remain in the country. Regularly reviewing and updating immigration status is essential to avoid removal and comply with US immigration laws. In case of uncertainty, seeking legal counsel can help navigate the complexities of immigration processes and protect one’s legal standing in the US.
