Texas Court Interpreter Released After Immigration Arrest
Meenu Batra, a Texas court interpreter and mother of four, has been released from detention after being arrested by federal immigration officials in March. Her attorney, Deepak Ahluwalia, confirmed her release to CBS News, expressing relief after what has been a challenging six to seven weeks.
Details of the Arrest
Batra was taken into custody by immigration agents on March 17 at Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas, while she was en route to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for work. Ahluwalia noted that a federal judge ordered Batra’s immediate release, stating that her due process rights were violated due to the lack of prior notice, interviews, or formal proceedings prior to her arrest.
Pursuing Permanent Residency
Ahluwalia is now focused on securing a green card for Batra through her youngest son, Jasper, who serves in the U.S. Army. He is advocating for the expedited processing of this application, with hopes for its approval within the next four to six months.
The Ongoing Fight for Justice
Despite her release, Ahluwalia emphasized that the battle is far from over. He expressed concerns about the possibility of Batra being sent to a third country where she lacks ties or familiarity. “It’s crucial to ensure she receives the justice she’s entitled to,” Ahluwalia stated.
Background of Meenu Batra
Batra, originally from India, fled her homeland following the murder of her parents due to their Sikh beliefs. After arriving in the United States approximately 35 years ago, she applied for asylum. In 2000, she was granted deferred removal status, which is distinct from asylum. With over 20 years of experience as a certified court interpreter, Batra’s proficiency in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu makes her skills highly sought after across the country.
Family’s Emotional Toll
During her time in custody at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement El Valle Detention Center, Batra shared her perspective on her immigration status, affirming her belief that she was legal and would not face deportation. Her four children—Amrita, Lucas, Aryan, and Jasper—expressed their distress at being apart from her, noting the emotional strain on the entire family during this difficult period.
Response from Authorities
In light of the judge’s ruling, CBS News reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for comment. In a previous statement, DHS referred to Batra as an “illegal alien,” clarifying that employment authorization does not equate to legal status.
