Understanding the Reality of Lao Deportations: Separating Fact from Fear
I wanted to address a serious concern a client brought to me today. He was extremely distressed after hearing that President Trump had already deported 4,000 Laotian nationals. I was skeptical about the accuracy of that claim, so I took the time to research it myself. What I found was important — and I want to share it with you.
The Reality About Possible Lao Deportations
An article from The Laotian Times reports that approximately 4,850 Lao nationals currently have final orders of removal in the United States. However, having a final order of removal is not the same thing as actively being deported.
At this moment, Laos does not have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States to accept deportees. Without such an agreement, those individuals are generally not facing immediate removal because the U.S. cannot physically deport someone to a country that refuses to receive them.
That said, recent history shows the situation can change. The United States has successfully pressured certain countries that previously refused deportations to begin accepting nationals again. Venezuela is one example. Cambodia is another — even though it had an agreement in place, deportations did not meaningfully resume until policy changes under prior administrations.
Because of that pattern, it is reasonable to be concerned that similar diplomatic pressure could eventually be applied to Laos.
Why Anyone With a Final Order Should Speak to a Lawyer
If you or someone you know has a final order of removal, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible — even if you spoke to an immigration attorney years ago. Immigration law changes constantly, and new legal arguments appear frequently, especially in the area of criminal-immigration overlap (“crimmigration”).
For example, my office is currently litigating a case arguing that Massachusetts’ legal definition of cocaine is broader than the federal definition, meaning a conviction under that statute may not qualify as a deportable offense. This argument relies on federal appellate precedent holding that an identical New York statute could not serve as a basis for removal.
Massachusetts law also provides strong grounds for ineffective assistance of counsel claims. If a criminal defense attorney failed to properly warn a non-citizen about immigration consequences of a plea, the conviction — and therefore the removal order — may be challengeable.
Detention Concerns
Another major issue is detention.
If Laos is not accepting deportees, prolonged ICE detention may become legally questionable. When removal is not reasonably foreseeable, detention can be challenged through a federal habeas corpus petition. A federal judge may order release if continued detention becomes punitive rather than administrative.
It is also extremely important not to sign documents in ICE custody without legal advice. Many long-term residents — including those with U.S. citizen spouses and children — have unknowingly signed voluntary departure paperwork and waived their rights to fight removal.
Stay Informed — Not Afraid
We are in a period of significant change in immigration enforcement, and misinformation spreads quickly. The best protection is accurate information and preparation.
If you are worried about deportation — whether because of a final order or general ICE enforcement concerns — now is the time to review your case and understand your options.
If my office can help, please reach out.
Contact Attorney Louis S. Haskell
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