PHILIPSBURG--The Immigration and Border Protection (IBP) Service is creating an environment of “fear and panic,” with its announcement on Sunday that controls for undocumented persons will be stepped up, and that undocumented persons should leave the island immediately.
This is the opinion of attorney Remco Stomp, who says that department seemed to have declared a “hunting season” for undocumented persons open with its statement.
“It's certain; an immigration policy on a popular island state is a must. Meanwhile, however, undocumented people are humans too, they may very well have family on the island, have had several residency permits before or have found other difficulties that was not their fault,” Stomp said.
“Likely they have helped build one of the many houses or office buildings on the island, cleaned someone's garden or served food in one of the many restaurants on the island. Several of these people may be in procedure or are working on their papers; many of them are depending on local employers for proper paperwork.
“Just by stating to incarcerate and deport anyone who cannot present the necessary permits and does not immediately leave may seem very pragmatic and popular to a few, but completely denies the legal rights that everyone has in this country,” the attorney said.
Even people, who did not possess documents, but simply overstayed “cannot be incarcerated instantly” for simply not having the right set of papers ready at hand, Stomp argued. “They are granted time by law to get their belongings together and leave voluntarily...The notice of the Immigration Department that vast numbers of so-called illegally residing persons are being deported and that all illegally residing persons should leave the island immediately is creating an atmosphere of fear and panic.”
Stomp said persons who find themselves or their loved ones deprived of their legal rights should contact an attorney to help them fight for their rights and if necessary take it to court to have the judge rule on the matter. “That's what a civilised society is all about,” he noted.
In a press release on Sunday, IBP said 40 persons were held and deported from the island over the last two weeks for residing in St. Maarten without legal documentation. Those deported were also banned from returning to the island for three years. Authorities said the controls will increase in the coming weeks with controls in establishments (bars, restaurants and barbershops) in the various districts and on main roads. IBP urged everyone to walk with their valid documents (ID and resident permit) to ensure “swift and smooth controlling.”
Persons residing on the island without documentation are urged to “leave the island immediately, to avoid being incarcerated, deported and banned for three years.” IBP’s Director said the department is “working forcefully” to ensure that illegal immigration is tackled.
