Long lines were seen outside immigration court in Miami on Tuesday, and the move from virtual to in-person appointments is contributing to longer wait times.
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NBC6 cameras captured a line wrapping around the side of the building.
One person, Anthony, who traveled far, had to wait at least 45 minutes for his appointment.
“We live in Orlando,” he said. “I wish we didn’t have to come here, but they don’t want to do virtual anymore, so we have to come in person. We woke up at 3 a.m., and we’ve been waiting in line, we don’t know for how long.”
Anthony said he has never seen these lines this long.
“I don’t think it’s organized because the system is not perfect, and I was expecting for them to do better, but unfortunately they don’t have control over that,” he said.
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Other families have been waiting since the early morning, with families and young ones in tow.
It’s something attorney Grisel Ibarra has never seen in 49 years.
“If you have a 9 o’clock hearing, you already missed it, the judge, if you don’t get up there in time, the judge has the right to deport you,” Ibarra said. “They don’t do it because they realize that people are standing outside,” Ibarra said. “But in my opinion, if I had to do this, to stay here, I would go someplace else.”
Ibarra said that for those awaiting their hearings, she asks that they speak honestly with their attorney to see the likelihood of their being able to find residency in the United States.
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