Seth Lupton, managing attorney at Lupton Law LLC, held an immigration law seminar at Calvary Episcopal Church on November 23. Lupton has 10 years of experience in immigration law, and gave advice to those seeking guidance on the subject.

After the seminar, Lupton gave an interview, telling what got him into immigration law. “I was raised by a single mother who died when I was very young.” Lupton stated that many of those who clothed, fed, and gave him a place to stay during that time in his childhood were immigrant families, some of whom did not have status. “I’m not saying that’s right or wrong, but you know, when you see people treat others well, you want to help them in some way,”

Lupton told how many came with questions concerning immigration law after the election. “It’s obvious there’s a lot of people that have questions about, you know, what the changes are going to be and how it’s going to affect people’s lives.”

Lupton works mostly with those in immigration court. He shared his clients’ reactions.
“I think that people. . . that are in the court system are very worried and kind of confused about how this is going to affect them, and then obviously people who have been here for years, maybe no criminal history, but think that the new laws are going to affect them, I think those are the main things. . . that we talked about today.” Lupton stated those he came into contact with had problems ranging from getting cheated by fake attorneys to trying to enter asylum unaware of how to file an application.

During the seminar, a common theme Lupton circled back to was the degree to which immigration law services were unmet in the area. He stated that he thought Central and South Georgia appeared to be underserved. “A lot of people are telling me that they don’t have attorneys come out this way at all. For me, I think it’s very important for attorneys to go to people and not expect people to go to attorneys.”

Lupton responded to questions during the Seminar. He stated many misconceptions surround gaining legal status. “I think that there’s an idea that its very black and white, you know, that you either do it this way or, you know, that way.” Lupton stated that the process could be drawn out, with a person request asylum waiting a decade. “Other people think that maybe their child can file for them, but it doesn’t always work that way. So it’s much more difficult to get status in the United States than people realize.”

Lupton told how many have the misconception that having a child who is a citizen could lead to legal status. He stated even many on the anti-immigration side were under that assumption. “You actually can’t get status just by having a child, that’s a total misconception, and so, it’s a misconception in the immigrant community and also in the non-immigrant community.” Lupton stated that exceptions did exist, like having a child in the military, and that having a visa while having a child could help the process.

When asked why it was important to him to represent people who are not citizens and who came to the country illegally, Lupton had a ready response, citing John Adams’ defense of the British assailants during the Boston Massacre. “This is someone who understood this is an American principle, that everyone deserves representation, no matter where they come from, no matter who they are, our constitution provides specific rights for individuals that are here on this soil.”

Aside from ethical reasons, Lupton also gave economic. “I’ve seen areas where I’m from in North Carolina get revitalized, specifically by the immigrant communities that are moving in there.” Lupton disagreed with those arguing against immigration based on economic grounds. “I think that that the idea that it’s a detriment to the economy to have immigrants here, they’re not paying attention to what’s really happening.”

Margarita Reyes was an attendee for part of the seminar. She shared her motivation for coming. “Basically, I just needed a little bit more information, since, you know, the laws are going to change as soon as the President comes in. So I guess we’re just here to verify what’s our status.”

When asked whether immigration legal services were readily available in the local area, Reyes replied; “There’s not. Usually, like small towns, we have to go all the way to Atlanta.”

Reyes stated that people have been given bad legal advice in the immigrant community in the past. “Yes, a lot of people take advantage, money, time, you name it.” Reyes encouraged others to do their own research instead of relying on word-of-mouth recommendations.

Correction: The original caption stated that. Gaby Pedroza Sánchez was the senior management assistant. She is actually the Senior Paralegal.