His lawyer says that a legal error, not reprehensible acts, left him undocumented. And now he fights to have his day in court.
Amherst, NY – A WNY restaurant owner hides after Ice agents introduced himself to his home and his belongings. His lawyer said that a legal error had left his client undocumented. Now he fights to have his day in court. To protect his privacy, he is not identified in this story.
This business owner has built a life in Amherst, managing a restaurant, supporting his family and employing 15 people. But now he hides after the ice agents have come to get him. His lawyer, Michael Berger, said that his client was not a criminal.
“It is an individual of lawyers in law who was unfortunately taken in poor legal representation, who would have otherwise had his green card now,” said Berger.
The business owner has legally come to the United States on a visa. He exceeded and was expelled. He returned later, trying to adjust his status. According to Berger, a previous lawyer managed his case badly, leaving him undocumented and vulnerable to expulsion.
Berger said that despite a pending case, ice agents came to find his client and presented themselves to his home and his business.
Berger called the ice agent who left his card to the company. He asked for two days to submit documents before bringing him. At first, they said they would check with their boss. Then the agent recalled and said no.
His lawyer now pleads for one thing: a regular procedure.
The ice intensifying its executions, the future and the business of the Berger client remain uncertain.
“The immigration system is broken. I have been doing this for 50 years. It’s broken,” said Berger.
2 On your side has gripped their hands with ice several times. We have not yet received an answer.