Key Takeaways
• Misleading flyers in Kansas City urge self-deportation, falsely threatening fines, prison, and re-entry bans.
• Flyers misuse the Department of Justice seal, spreading fear and confusion in local immigrant communities.
• Legal experts warn the flyers misrepresent rights and due process, advising immigrants to trust only official sources.
Flyers bearing the U.S. Department of Justice seal have caused alarm among immigrants in Kansas City by urging them to “self-deport or face consequences.” These misleading flyers appeared in immigration courtrooms and lobbies, and some immigrants even received them by text or email. Their sudden appearance has sparked confusion and fear in the community, with legal experts warning that they spread dangerous misinformation about immigration rights and processes.
What the Flyers Claim
The flyers are titled “Message to Illegal Aliens: A Warning to Self-Deport.” The content puts forward several problematic statements:
– Immigrants are told that self-deporting will let them “keep money earned in the U.S.”
– Self-deporting supposedly might open a “future opportunity for legal immigration.”
– The flyers warn that not self-deporting can lead to $1,000 daily fines, prison time, and being barred from re-entering the United States.
These claims do not match current U.S. immigration law or policy. They have been called misleading by attorneys, including Andrea Martinez from Martinez Immigration Law LLC. Martinez described the flyers as an “egregious violation of due process for immigrants.” Many attorneys and advocates are concerned that these flyers offer a wrong picture of immigrants’ options and rights in the U.S., particularly at a time of stricter enforcement actions.
Why Are the Flyers Dangerous?
At their core, the flyers mix scare tactics with misleading information. According to lawyers and immigrant advocates:
- The language in the flyers does not clearly separate people with different immigration statuses. For example, it does not mention that some people, such as those with pending hearings or appeals, have legal permission to remain in the United States while they wait for their cases.
- The flyers do not explain that if someone chooses to leave the country during ongoing removal (deportation) proceedings, a judge can order their removal in their absence—a situation known as a “removal order in absentia.” This order leads to an automatic five-year bar on re-entry that usually cannot be waived.
- There is no mention that immigrants have a legal right to appeal decisions made in court.
- The flyers also leave out that someone in the U.S. without permission who receives a removal order can face steep bans from returning for ten years or more.
These gaps cause broad confusion, especially among people who do not have access to immigration lawyers. Legal experts worry most about those without representation, as they might wrongly believe that these flyers are official, trustworthy guidance.
Andrea Martinez pointed out, “The concern really is for immigrants without lawyers who are going to rely on this information that they’re seeing coming directly from a judge.” In reality, many people have court hearings scheduled years into the future, including dates as far ahead as 2026 and 2028. They remain in legal proceedings until their cases are resolved. Urging them to “self-deport” before their hearings would jeopardize their rights and, in some cases, leave them in an even worse legal position.
The Real Impact on Kansas City’s Immigrants
Kansas City is home to a growing immigrant population. Immigration court delays mean that many people will wait years for a judge to hear their case. This process is complex, and any mistake—such as leaving the country based on a misleading flyer—can have huge consequences.
Local fears have already grown due to increased immigration enforcement. Under President Trump’s administration, authorities made clear their intention to step up deportations of people in the country without authorization. Kansas City-area schools have responded by training teachers and staff on what to do if immigration agents visit their buildings.
The appearance of these flyers has only added to the anxiety. Many immigrants do not know whether the flyers were created by the courts, a government agency, or someone else. As of now, neither the Kansas City Immigration Court nor the Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review has said who posted the flyers, why they were posted, or whether anyone is investigating the incident.
How the Flyers Spread Misinformation
Misleading flyers like the ones seen in Kansas City risk spreading panic and causing people to make serious mistakes with their immigration cases. Here’s how the misinformation is especially harmful:
- The claim that self-deporting may allow immigrants to keep their earnings in the U.S. is not supported by law.
- Suggesting that self-deportation might help future legal immigration ignores that departing with a removal order in place often triggers years-long or even permanent bars to returning.
- Not describing the appeal process or statutory rights leaves immigrants unaware of options they might lawfully pursue.
- The threat of $1,000 per day in fines, prison time, and re-entry bans is not a typical result simply for remaining in the country while court proceedings are pending.
The result is that people may leave the country because they are scared or misled, missing out on legal remedies that could help them stay lawfully.
Why Do Some Immigrants Trust These Flyers?
Many immigrants believe information that includes what looks like government signs or stamps, such as the seal of the Department of Justice. Seeing these flyers posted in places that are meant to be safe—like the lobby of an immigration court—only adds to the problem.
People facing deportation often have to go to court alone. They might not speak fluent English, may not know their legal rights, and often do not have a lawyer. For these individuals, unclear or incorrect guidance can lead to life-altering mistakes. They may follow the flyer’s advice without understanding that leaving the U.S. could block them from returning for years, even if they later become eligible to do so.
The Importance of Due Process
“Due process” is a simple idea: everyone deserves a fair chance to present their case, know their rights, and appeal any decisions made against them. The misleading flyers undercut this by telling people to give up their rights before their case has even been heard.
Andrea Martinez called the flyers “an egregious violation of due process.” This is because people who follow the flyers’ advice may have had strong cases for remaining in the country, or could have been eligible for relief, such as asylum or adjustment of status.
Giving up these options—because of a flyer—harms individuals, families, and the community. VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that many attorneys are urging people to only use trusted sources and not to make important decisions based on a flyer or message received at the court.
Actions of Legal Community and Community Response
Local immigration lawyers and advocates are actively informing communities about the risks of these flyers. They are using social media, community meetings, and hotlines to get accurate information to people who may have seen or received a flyer. They also recommend the public use only reputable legal assistance, such as through certified immigration lawyers or official government sites like the Kansas City Immigration Court’s official page.
Additionally, many are pushing for a formal response from the Department of Justice, demanding a full investigation into who created and distributed the misleading flyers. The lack of response from officials has fueled suspicion and concern among those most at risk.
In the meantime, the legal advice is clear: If you received one of these flyers or saw them in or around a court, you should not act on it. Instead, seek help from a trusted immigration attorney or a legal aid group with experience in immigration law.
What Are Your Rights in Immigration Court?
Every person in immigration court has certain rights. Here are the most important things to remember, as shared by legal experts:
- You have a right to appear and speak at your hearing.
- You can ask for more time, especially if you want to find a lawyer.
- You are allowed to appeal decisions made by an immigration judge.
- If you are waiting years for your hearing, you do not need to leave the United States before your scheduled date.
Leaving the U.S. before your proceedings are finished can lead to a removal order if you do not attend your hearing. This can result in being banned from returning for five to ten years, and sometimes permanently.
The Context: Immigration Patterns and Enforcement
Over the last decade, the United States has seen heated debate about immigration policy and enforcement. Under President Trump, there was a strong push to increase deportations and discourage unauthorized entry. This pressure has continued to shape the way court cases are handled and has led to increased fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities.
Kansas City reflects these national trends. A large number of people are currently waiting years for their cases to be heard, partly due to a backlog in the court system. In this environment, the appearance of official-looking misleading flyers becomes even more harmful, as it plays on existing worries people have about their status and future.
It is important to remember that the Department of Justice oversees immigration courts, and is supposed to ensure the process is fair. By misusing their seal and name, the misleading flyers cast doubt on the very system meant to give people a fair hearing.
What Happens Next?
The future remains uncertain for those affected by the flyers. As the Department of Justice has not commented publicly, or explained steps they are taking to address the situation, immigrant families and their advocates remain anxious. Legal groups are likely to keep pushing for answers and accountability.
Locally, the message from advocates and lawyers is strong: Trust only reputable sources, seek advice from licensed lawyers, and do not make life-changing decisions based on flyers or rumors. The official court website and known legal aid organizations should be relied upon for up-to-date and accurate information.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The spread of misleading flyers at Kansas City immigration courts is a wake-up call for immigrants, their families, and the broader legal community. The fake warnings use scare tactics, misuse the Department of Justice seal, and offer wrong or incomplete information about what it means to self-deport and the consequences of such a decision. At a time when many are already worried about their future, these flyers can cause real harm—leading people to give up important rights or make moves that could keep them out of the United States for years.
If you or someone you know has seen one of these flyers, do not trust it. Always go to official sources, like the Kansas City Immigration Court’s website for reliable information, and talk to a certified immigration attorney. It’s always safer to wait for your court hearing and talk to an expert than to make quick decisions based on misleading flyers. The legal process may be slow, but knowing your rights and using reputable support will help keep you and your family safe.
As this story develops, both local and national authorities must work to restore trust, protect basic rights, and make sure no one is forced into a bad decision due to misleading information. The outcome will affect Kansas City’s immigrant families for many years to come.
Learn Today
Self-Deportation → When an immigrant leaves the United States voluntarily, often due to pressure or misinformation, without a formal removal order.
Removal Order in Absentia → A court order to deport someone who failed to attend their hearing, resulting in automatic re-entry bans for years.
Due Process → The legal right to receive fair treatment, a hearing, and the opportunity to appeal before a government decision is final.
Department of Justice Seal → The official emblem of the U.S. Department of Justice, often used to signify legitimate government communications.
Immigration Court → A specialized U.S. court where cases about immigration status and deportation are heard and decided by immigration judges.
This Article in a Nutshell
Misleading flyers bearing the Department of Justice seal have spread fear in Kansas City’s immigrant communities, falsely urging self-deportation with threats of fines and bans. Legal experts condemn the misinformation, urging affected individuals to trust only official sources and seek qualified legal help before making life-changing immigration decisions.
— By VisaVerge.com
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