A man in another state had taken the proper steps to file a petition for permanent residency based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen. He entered the United States well over a decade ago and has raised two sons here, one of whom was born in the U.S. The man and his wife thought that his immigration and naturalization process was going well, especially since his petition for a green card had been accepted. New Jersey residents facing challenges regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will want to pay close attention to this case.

The situation reportedly stems from a traffic stop police made in May. At that time, the man was issued a ticket for driving with a burned-out headlight. He says he repaired the light the same day and handed his ticket into the local police precinct, where he was informed that the matter was resolved.

The man later learned that police had contacted ICE and reported that they believed he was living in the U.S. under an undocumented legal status. Several months later, as he drove to work one morning, the onslaught of agents reportedly surrounded his vehicle and told him to get out of his car. They also arrested him in connection with a deportation order that had supposedly been issued against him nearly 20 years ago.

When legal problems arise during the immigration and naturalization process, it can leave New Jersey families feeling overwhelmed and helpless. However, there is always support available. A spouse trying to secure the release of a loved one, as the wife in this situation is doing, can seek guidance from an experienced U.S. immigration law attorney.