If you work with immigrant clients—or are one yourself—you’ve probably heard about Maryland’s Values Act by now. It’s not just another bill with a feel-good name. It’s a law that actually changes how local law enforcement interacts with ICE, and it’s already shifting how immigration defense attorneys build their cases.

For firms like ours at The Lincoln Law Firm, this law opens up new avenues to protect clients from unjust detainers and surprise transfers. It’s also a reminder of how fast the landscape is changing—and why it’s critical to stay plugged in.

What the Values Act Actually Does

Passed in 2023, Maryland’s Values Act (HB 16) limits how much state and local law enforcement can collaborate with federal immigration enforcement. In particular, it targets 287(g) agreements—partnerships that deputize local police to act like immigration agents.

Under the Act:

• Law enforcement can’t detain individuals solely for immigration purposes.

• Police can’t notify ICE about release dates unless there’s a judicial warrant.

• Agencies must stop honoring ICE detainers unless there’s a clear legal requirement.

The law is clear: local cops aren’t federal agents. That distinction matters more than ever.

What It Means for Immigration Defense

If you’ve ever tried to defend a client who got pulled over for a busted tail light and then landed in ICE custody days later, you understand the stakes. Under 287(g), that kind of story wasn’t rare—it was routine.

Now, attorneys can build a stronger defense knowing:

• Clients have a better shot at avoiding unnecessary ICE contact after local arrests.

• There’s legal ground to challenge improper detainers and transfers.

• Local jails face legal limits on how they handle ICE requests.

This isn’t just procedural—it’s strategic. Knowing the law gives us more ways to keep clients in their communities and out of detention.

Shifting the Tone in Court

Before the Values Act, some judges and prosecutors assumed that anyone flagged by ICE must be dangerous or untrustworthy. Now, we can push back with more than just rhetoric. The law itself supports the argument that immigration status alone shouldn’t influence bail, sentencing, or probation outcomes.

This shift also means that motions to suppress evidence obtained through ICE coordination might hold more weight. It’s early days, but we’re already seeing glimpses of this in county courts across Maryland.

A Changing Landscape

Let’s not sugarcoat it—ICE still operates in Maryland. But this law creates a buffer. According to The Washington Post, jurisdictions with active 287(g) programs saw higher deportation rates for minor offenses like traffic violations. The Values Act disrupts that pipeline, giving families a bit more breathing room.

We’ve already worked with clients who, under the old rules, would’ve faced near-immediate ICE detention after a local arrest. Thanks to this new legislation, we’ve had more time to post bail, file motions, and actually mount a defense.

The Lincoln Law Firm’s Approach

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’re not just watching from the sidelines. We’re adjusting how we prep clients for potential law enforcement encounters, how we negotiate with prosecutors, and how we challenge unlawful holds.

We’re also educating clients about their rights under this law. Many still think a traffic stop means automatic deportation. It doesn’t—not anymore.

If you’re worried about how this impacts you or your family, or if you’ve been picked up by police and fear ICE is involved, reach out. Knowing your rights isn’t enough—you need someone who can defend them.

If you’ve filed applications for US citizenship, you’ll have to appear for two interviews. USCIS will adjudicate your case only after conducting the required interviews.

However, if you’ve missed one of your interviews and are looking to reschedule it, here’s our brief guide!

Rescheduling the green card interview

Before the green card interview date, you can either reschedule the interview based on good cause or withdraw the petition. According to USCIS, rescheduling the interview is only possible if the adjudicator is convinced that the applicant wouldn’t be able to appear due to circumstances beyond their control. However, if the adjudicator thinks there’s a good cause for the inability of an applicant to appear, they will mail a new form, ‘Form I-797C’ and the green card interview will be rescheduled. But if the adjudicator determines that a good cause doesn’t exist, the adjudicator can deny the case for abandonment.

Rescheduling the biometrics

You have to undergo two types of appointments in a green card case. Before your green card interview, you’ll have the biometrics interview. If you want to reschedule the biometrics, read Form I-797 and follow the instructions. Generally, you’ll have to return the original notice to the local USCIS field office, asking to reschedule the biometrics. When you’re done, you’ll receive a notice with a new date. Remember, attending the biometrics is mandatory as USCIS should have your fingerprints on file before they issue your green card.

You can be given a chance to reschedule your biometrics if you’ve missed it due to excusable neglect. But remember, this is just instructional guidance. Don’t miss your biometrics appointment without letting the USCIS know in advance. The local offices of USCIS differ on how they handle a missed biometrics appointment. If you’ve missed your biometrics due to exigent circumstances, this advice is your last option: explain the reasons you missed after scheduling an info-pass appointment with the local USCIS office. Typically, they’ll take your fingerprints on that same day. However, it’s a huge risk, and we don’t suggest relying on any favors from USCIS. Once your fingerprints are with USCIS, you’ll be required to attend your green card interview.

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Immigration laws are strict in the US, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, it’s not mandatory to hire an attorney when applying for an immigrant visa, taking things into your own hands can be challenging. Hiring an attorney to handle all your immigration details can save you a lot of time—time that you would otherwise waste understanding the system.

Let’s have a look at some of the signs indicating you need an immigration lawyer.

You want to figure out your options

Many people who want to come to America are confused about their eligibility to apply for a green card. If you’re having a difficult time getting a green card, an immigration lawyer can provide significant help.

A professional immigration lawyer usually has years of experience in the field and therefore, has significant knowledge about various immigration programs. They can help you choose the best program for yourself and avail the benefits.

You want help with immigration court proceedings

If your court proceedings are in process, your entire immigration authority lies in the court and therefore, it’s highly advisable to seek legal assistance. Under these circumstances, every second counts and it’s better to consult a lawyer to navigate the scenario and sort out the situation for you.

You are accused of a criminal offense

Getting immigration with a criminal record is not easy. Whether you have committed a crime or you are falsely accused, your best bet in either of these scenarios is to get legal help. A professional immigration lawyer will analyze your situation and advocate the best possible solution accordingly.

Bottom line

Immigration processes are tiring and difficult, especially if you have little or no knowledge of the judicial system for immigration in America. Many people get overwhelmed by the paperwork and some end up encountering delays, time and again. Whatever the circumstance, it’s a wise choice to discuss it with a professional lawyer and seek their guidance.

If you want to hire an immigration attorney in Silver Springs, Baltimore or Maryland, feel free to contact The Lincoln Law Group.

In addition to this, we also have truck accident lawyers, tax litigation lawyers, criminal lawyers , and, child custody lawyers in Baltimore, Silver Spring , and Maryland onboard.

Immigration attorney can help you navigate your family’s immigration process. Here’s how:

Be Patient

Considering the current situation of immigration in the country, you should be prepared for some delays and difficulties. Things are expected to get better during the Biden administration. However, it will take some time for things to settle.

Stay in touch with an experienced immigration attorney and make sure they review all your documentation and details.

Choosing the Right Visa Option

Are you aware that there are different types of immigration options? You may not know which option is suitable for you. An immigration attorney takes various things into accounts, such as job status, education, family details, and a lot more to help you choose the best option. For instance, if you are a naturalized citizen who wishes to settle with their spouse and kids in the country, you’ll need a family-based green card. A work permit or an asylum visa may not be enough to get your family here.

An experienced immigration lawyer can make sure that your application is strong and error-free and you’re applying through the right channel.

Rules and Regulations

You must make sure that you abide by all the rules and regulations during the process. In fact, you must also make sure that you never violate any rules or break any laws even after immigration. An inability to follow the rules can result in the cancellation of your immigration as well.

Hiring an Experienced Immigration Lawyer

Hire an immigration lawyer to take care of all the legalities and documentation. If you’re looking for an immigration lawyer in Baltimore, Silver Spring, Towson, and D.C., call us at 443-542-5889.

At The Lincoln Law, we have experienced tax attorneys, family law attorneys, personal injury lawyers, and criminal defense attorneys on board in Maryland and Washington D.C.

The policies enforced during the Trump administration have caused irreversible damage to many immigrants and their families. In an effort to rectify that damage, President Joe Biden recently announced new immigration policies aimed at providing relief to immigrants and their families.

On February 2^nd, 2021, three executive orders were signed by the President that aim to help immigrant families coming to the United States.

1. End Zero Tolerance

The first executive order entailed the end of Trump’s zero-tolerance policy towards border crossings. The Zero Tolerance Policy gave border authorities the right to prosecute every migrant who entered the US without authorization.

The removal of this policy has ensured that immigrants will be safely led into the United States via a peaceful process. These people can now seek asylum and apply for a work visa legally. The new policy offers hope to people fleeing from dangerous conditions.

2. Reunite Families Split at the Border

The second executive order states that all parents who were separate from their children at the border will be reunited. Many have spent months and even years apart, which is why this order is a top priority for immigration officials. As a result of the executive order, a Family Reunification Task Force has been created that is to locate and recover children separated at the US-Mexico border and reunite them with their parents.

3. Conduct a Complete & Thorough Review

The third executive order expects all federal immigration organizations to conduct a comprehensive review of their existing policies. This is to determine whether the policies are aligned with the equitable and compassionate management that the Biden administration wants to implement.

Work with an Experienced Immigration Lawyer

While you may feel that access to easy access to immigration information online means you don’t have to hire an immigration lawyer to help you out, you may want to consider it anyway. While the internet gives you information and facts, it can be hard to understand certain legal implications of the process.

An immigration lawyer is your best bet to understand what requirements to fulfill, what paperwork to file, and ensuring that your family’s application process is as streamlined as possible.

For more information on immigration’s legalities or to schedule an appointment with our immigration lawyer in Baltimore and Silver Spring, call us at 443-542-5889.