An immigration attorney born and raised in Massachusetts has found herself in a surreal and concerning situation after receiving an email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) instructing her to self-deport.
Nicole Micheroni, a U.S. citizen, received the email on a Friday, which informed her that “it is time for you to leave the United States.”
Initially, Micheroni thought the email was intended for one of her clients.
However, upon closer inspection, she realized that only her name appeared in the email.
The email stated that her parole status had been terminated and that she should leave the country within seven days.
Micheroni, who was born in Newton and raised in Sharon, expressed her concern over the situation.
Social media and news channels erupted with the disturbing news that such emails were being sent to U.S. citizens.
“I think it was probably, hopefully, sent to me in error,” Micheroni noted, adding, “It’s a little concerning these are going out to U.S. citizens.”
She explained that her name and email are attached to numerous legal documents, as she works closely with clients who may face deportation issues.
However, despite four days passing since she received the alarming email, Micheroni has not been able to contact anyone in the DHS for clarification.
In an interview with MSNBC, she stated, “I personally have not heard from anybody at DHS or reached anybody there.
The email did come from a no-reply email address.”
Micheroni also highlighted the DHS’s failure to communicate effectively, noting that they had only made general statements about the incident since it went public.
A senior DHS official later issued a statement to NBC10 Boston, explaining that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was terminating parole for individuals without lawful status to remain in the U.S.
The official noted that “CBP used the known email addresses of the alien to send notifications.
If a non-personal email—such as an American citizen contact—was provided by the alien, notices may have been sent to unintended recipients.
CBP is monitoring communications and will address any issues on a case-by-case basis.”
Micheroni commented on the situation, saying it demonstrates that the process is poorly managed.
“DHS isn’t being careful.
I think their main goal is to scare people into leaving the United States.
They want immigrants to be uncomfortable here,” she asserted.
She further emphasized that the email was not sent solely to her but to many individuals, including other U.S. citizens who received the same alarming message.
Carmen Bello, another immigration attorney from Massachusetts, confirmed that she also received the deportation email despite being a U.S. citizen for nearly 20 years.
“Pretty much going by whatever email we have in the parole application, we’re getting sent a letter,” Bello commented to NBC10 Boston.
She added, “They’re not even checking if it’s the attorney’s email or the applicant’s email,” criticizing the department for lacking responsibility in this matter.
Micheroni stressed the need for individuals to understand that entering the U.S. on parole is legal immigration.
“There’s a lot of people that enter the United States legally, and have a reason to stay here, that received this email out of the blue,” she said.
Faced with the mounting anxiety from her immigrant clients, Micheroni advised those worried about their status to consult someone familiar with immigration law for guidance.
“Talk to somebody that is familiar with immigration law and see how it actually impacts them and whether they have to leave or whether they can remain here lawfully or there’s something else they can do,” she concluded.
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