General Blog

Detention is one of the most difficult experiences an undocumented immigrant and their family can face in the United States. When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds a person in custody indefinitely or without justification, the country's legal system offers a recourse that can change their fate: a writ of habeas corpus. At Serving Immigrants, we understand that for a detained immigrant, their desire revolves around working on their immigration status while they are free. Below, we explain how this federal recourse can be the key to challenging a prolonged and unjustified detention. What is Habeas Corpus?      Regulated by the statute 28 U.S.C. § 2241 Habeas Corpus is a petition filed in a Federal District Court. Unlike appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), this remedy does not focus on whether the detained person is entitled to an immigration benefit, but rather on whether the government has the right to detain them and the constitutional right to keep him deprived of his liberty. When…Leer más

     Physical integrity and security are fundamental rights that apply in any interaction with federal authorities. However, recent events in Operations and arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raise questions about legal limits and the use of force. Such is the case of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen who died after being shot by an ICE agent during a raid in Minneapolis. The news has sparked a wave of protests and diverse opinions: while many have considered it an abuse of power, others, such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, maintain that the agent acted in self-defense.      For Serving Immigrants, it is very important to be able to educate and inform the community about the protocols that govern the use of force, ensuring that any person residing in the United States (regardless of their immigration status) understands the legal framework that protects their well-being during an arrest or raid. What is ICE?      It is the agency responsible for both identifying criminal activities and eliminating…Leer más

Miami, FL – In a city like Miami, where stories and success are achieved through perseverance, hard work, and excellent service, Serving Immigrants has been recognized as the winner in the “Immigration Law Firm” category of the prestigious election.Miami-Dade Favorite in its 2025 edition. This recognition, obtained thanks to the vote and trust of the community, consolidates our firm as a benchmark of hope, renown and justice for hundreds of families in the south Florida.   Serving Immigrants: A commitment beyond the courts.   Founded with the goal of reuniting families seeking a better future in the United States, at Serving Immigrants we are committed to being a firm that goes beyond winning complex immigration cases; we strive to connect with our clients through a humanized and personalized approach. Led by attorney Magdalena Cuprys (who has personally experienced the immigration journey), attorneys Victor Martinez and Daniel Ortiz, and a dedicated team of various nationalities, we have built a legacy focused on excellence and integrity.  …Leer más

In the United States, immigration laws can be as complex as they are ever-changing. And in the midst of so much confusion, fear, and misinformation, there’s one truth every immigrant must keep in mind: You have rights, no matter your immigration status. Whether you’re a permanent resident, an asylum seeker, a DACA recipient, a temporary visa holder, or someone without defined status, the U.S. Constitution protects you. Knowing your rights isn’t just important, it’s essential. It’s your first line of defense to protect yourself and your family. What Rights Do You Have as an Immigrant? Your status may affect certain legal processes, but it does not take away your fundamental rights. Here are some of the most important ones: 1. The Right to Remain Silent You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, place of birth, or how you entered the country. You can politely say: “I choose to remain silent.” 2. The Right to an Attorney You have the right to…Leer más

In the midst of so much confusing information, many immigrants wonder: What documents really prove that I’m legally in the United States? Spoiler: A driver’s license is not one of them. Whether you’re applying for an immigration benefit, going through a police checkpoint, or simply want to travel within the country with peace of mind, carrying the correct documents can mean the difference between continuing your day or facing serious consequences. Here’s what actually counts: 1. Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) This is the strongest proof that you have lawful permanent residence in the U.S. If you're a permanent resident, the law requires you to carry it at all times. Not doing so could result in minor penalties, but in some cases, it may affect your immigration record. Important: It’s not just a right, it’s an obligation to carry it. 2. Work Permit (EAD – Employment Authorization Document) This plastic card authorizes you to work legally and serves as proof that you have valid or…Leer más

In the United States, driving legally is not the same as being legally present in the country. While many believe that holding a driver’s license is enough to prove a valid immigration status, the truth is that a license does not serve that purpose, nor does it carry that legal weight. Why isn’t a driver’s license enough to prove immigration status? The main function of a driver’s license, as the name suggests, is to authorize individuals to operate vehicles within the state that issued it. It is not designed to verify whether you are lawfully present in the country. Additionally: Some states issue driver’s licenses even to people without lawful immigration status, as part of local inclusion or public safety policies.  In other cases, licenses are granted to individuals with temporary immigration status, such as asylum seekers, TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders, or people with work permits while their cases are pending.  This means you may have a valid license to drive but that does…Leer más

In an interview with Forbes published on July 9, 2025, attorneys Magdalena Cuprys and Víctor Martínez of Cuprys & Associates denounced serious constitutional rights violations against detained immigrants at Florida’s controversial detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”   What is Alligator Alcatraz? Set up at the abandoned Dade-Collier Airport in the Everglades, near Ochopee, the center began operations on July 3, 2025, as part of a state-run initiative led by Governor DeSantis and President Trump to detain immigrants. The site’s extreme isolation and hostile environment have raised significant concern.   Cuprys and Martínez Denounce Legal Inaccessibility Attorney Magdalena Cuprys described the case of a Honduran client arrested after a routine stop at a weigh station in Tampa. Despite holding a Florida driver’s license and having filed asylum applications, he was never processed for bond while at Alligator Alcatraz. In her own words: “The motion has not been processed… the only information they had… was what they learned independently from the news.” Meanwhile, Víctor Martínez spent…Leer más

A Controversial Decision That Will Affect Over Half a Million People The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians will be eliminated, affecting more than 500,000 people currently living legally in the U.S. under this program. TPS for Haitians will officially expire on August 3, 2025, with its termination going into effect on September 2, 2025—a date after which deportations could begin. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined that conditions in Haiti have improved enough to justify ending the program, based on USCIS reports and consultations with the State Department. However, human rights organizations and international experts warn that Haiti remains in a state of extreme crisis: Widespread insecurity, gang violence, mass displacement, and institutional collapse continue—contradicting the official narrative of improvement. The U.S. State Department still maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti, urging Americans not to travel to the country due to violence, kidnappings, and lack of adequate medical care. What About El Salvador? In…Leer más

California has long been home to millions of immigrants—from the agricultural fields of the Central Valley to the vibrant Latino communities of Los Angeles and San Diego. While it's one of the most inclusive states in the country, 2025 has brought a much more intense immigration climate, with massive ICE operations, raids, and an increase in detentions nationwide. If you're an immigrant living in California—documented or not—you need to be more prepared than ever. These are 7 things you must know today:   California Is Still a Sanctuary State... But ICE Is More Active Than Ever California maintains sanctuary laws that limit local police collaboration with federal agencies like ICE. However, that doesn’t stop ICE from acting independently, which is exactly what’s happening now: ICE has ramped up operations in public spaces, workplaces, and even homes. Raids have become more frequent, especially in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. The mass judicial warrants issued in 2024 remain active in 2025, allowing for fast-tracked arrests.  Don’t let your guard down—state…Leer más

Georgia is home to thousands of immigrant families who work hard every day to build a better life. However, state laws and the political climate can make living here without legal status especially risky. If you live in this state, you need to be more prepared than ever. These are 7 immigration realities every immigrant in Georgia should clearly understand:   1. Georgia has one of the highest deportation rates in the country Atlanta is known as one of the strictest immigration jurisdictions. Judges in this court have a track record of denying asylum applications and other immigration benefits. This means you need strong legal representation from the very beginning.   2. SB 1070 allows police to act as immigration agents In Georgia, some counties participate in the 287(g) program, which allows local police to ask about your immigration status when you’re stopped—even for minor infractions. Every traffic stop becomes a real risk of detention by ICE.   3. Undocumented students face restrictions accessing higher…Leer más