How can I help? Immigration issue..

[pipoman]

I am a manager. I hired a Mexican immigrant 4 years ago for part time cleaning, she has a good paying full time job, she is a legal immigrant, a great person with a great family. Shortly after she came to work for me I needed a full time person I asked her if she knew anyone. Her sister had just moved to town, a very good single mother, and was looking for a job I hired her She too is a wonderful person, great worker, and very conscience. I love them both, as do all of their coworkers, and many of our regular patrons. They contribute personally, their families contribute, they are beautiful human beings.

Recently, the latter sister was stopped for driving while Mexican. Her drivers license has expired. Arrested, bonded out, set for arraignment. To my knowledge she is here legally, documents, correct name, etc. Having a 20 year previous life I was a defense investigator, I know they are scared, and believe there is more to the story involving her immigration status...I don't know, just a gut feeling.

If she has an immigration issue, can it be fixed/under what circumstances?

This is outside of my legal areas of knowledge. Any way I can help? Do letters from people whose lives have been improved by this person help in immigration hearings?

(cross posted in Latino/Hispanic Group)

[bcool]

1. If she's here illegally, I'm afraid she might be out of luck

A friend of my son was here on a student visa, and whether by accident, neglect, or intention his visa expired. He was in someone else's car (as a passenger) with all U.S. citizens when they were pulled over for expired plates. The cops arrested him and turned him over to INS.

Long story short, he was sent back to Mexico, even though he married a U.S. woman and had a baby on the way. You couldn't ask for a nicer, more responsible person - with the obvious exception of the visa issue. But, no dice - they sent him back with no possibility of returning. His wife eventually moved to Mexico to be with him after the baby was born.