Indian Green Card Holder Detained in U.S. for Over a Month Due to Old Case
Paramjit Singh, a 30-year resident of the United States and a green card holder, has been detained for over a month following his return from a trip to India. Singh was apprehended at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport on July 30, raising concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the complexities of U.S. immigration law.
Background on Paramjit Singh
Singh, who operates a business in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has made several trips to India over the years to visit family. His recent return, however, took a troubling turn when he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to his lawyer, Luis Angeles, the detention stems from a “very old case” that should not have warranted such action.
Singh’s health is a significant concern; he suffers from a brain tumor and a heart condition, which have reportedly worsened during his time in detention. His family was unaware of the severity of his condition until they received a bill for his emergency room visit, highlighting the lack of communication from authorities regarding his health status.
The Nature of the Detention
The reason for Singh’s detention is linked to a minor infraction from years ago, specifically an incident involving the use of a pay phone without payment. Angeles emphasized that Singh has already taken responsibility for this past mistake, serving his time and fulfilling his obligations to society. The lawyer argues that the continued detention is not only unnecessary but also unjust, given the nature of the original offense.
Angeles stated, “According to ICE, the reason he was detained is due to a very old case he had… A case that was reduced, and should not have led to his being detained.” This raises questions about the criteria used by ICE to determine who is detained and for how long, especially in cases involving long-term residents with established ties to the community.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The situation has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of immigration enforcement practices. Angeles has accused the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of employing “arguable unethical” tactics to prolong Singh’s detention, despite a court ruling that declared him eligible for bond.
“We filed for a bond redetermination and successfully won the bond hearing. However, DHS has continued to employ what I would describe as legal-yet arguably unethical-tactics to prolong his detention,” Angeles stated. This situation raises broader concerns about the treatment of immigrants in the U.S. and the potential for abuse within the immigration system.
Next Steps for Singh
Angeles plans to escalate the matter to a federal court, asserting that Singh has a strong case for release. “We believe that he has a strong case for a federal judge to decide what DHS has done is not correct, and he should be released immediately,” he said. The legal battle ahead could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Broader Implications
Singh’s case is not an isolated incident; it reflects a growing trend of detentions that have raised alarms among immigrant rights advocates. The complexities of U.S. immigration law often leave individuals vulnerable, particularly those with longstanding ties to the country. The situation underscores the need for reform in immigration policies to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and justly.
Historically, the U.S. has seen waves of immigration, with policies often shifting in response to political climates. The current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement has been criticized for its harshness, particularly towards individuals who have lived in the country for decades without incident.
Conclusion
The detention of Paramjit Singh serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. As his family anxiously awaits his release, the case highlights the urgent need for a reevaluation of immigration enforcement practices. The legal proceedings that follow may not only impact Singh’s future but could also influence the treatment of countless others caught in similar predicaments. As the nation grapples with its immigration policies, the stories of individuals like Singh must be at the forefront of the conversation.
