Illegal immigration has become a hot topic in America, where an estimated 8.7 million illegal immigrants were reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000. When people enter the United States without the proper paperwork for temporary or permanent citizenship, they are considered illegal immigrants and can be prosecuted and deported under American law. Many people report or file complaints against suspected illegal immigrants because those persons do not pay taxes and are believed to take jobs away from U.S. citizens who do pay taxes. Reporting a suspected illegal immigrant can be a fairly simple process.
Gather as much information about the person as possible. Question the person or his acquaintances about his full name, place of birth, current place of residence or vehicle information. Make notes of this information.
Contact a government agency, including your local law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Report the person's suspicious activity or suspected illegal status by calling ICE at 1-866-347-2423. Provide the representative who answers with your reasons for believing the person to be an illegal immigrant and offer any personal information you've compiled about the individual. Request a case number or the name and phone number you can follow up with later. You can also file an online complaint using a website service such as ReportIllegals.com.
Read More: How to Report an Illegal Immigrant
Check the status of your complaint within a few weeks by contacting the ICE representative handling your complaint. Contact your local FBI office if you feel your complaint has been mishandled or overlooked. Find the nearest FBI office by visiting its official website.
Consult an attorney familiar with immigration law if your complaint requires it. Check online or in your phone book for attorneys who offer free consultations, and make an appointment. Describe the nature of your complaint to see if a lawsuit is warranted or practical. Bring any evidence or materials supporting your complaint.
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Writer Bio
Angela Campbell began writing professionally in 1997 for Easley Publications in Easley, SC, and later for Gannett newspaper properties. A graduate of the University of South Carolina's mass communications and journalism program, she has won numerous South Carolina State Press Association awards for spot news reporting, business reporting, feature writing, photography and page design.