One common element is the sudden disruption of lives. People are often taken by surprise when ICE shows up, whether at their homes or workplaces. Another is the separation of families, which can cause a great deal of emotional trauma. Also, the lack of proper communication during the process. Immigrants are often left in the dark about what will happen to them next.
The common elements include unjust treatment. Many immigrants in these stories are treated as if they are criminals from the start, even if they have a legitimate claim to be in the country. There's also the inhumane detention conditions. People are locked up in facilities that may not meet basic living standards. And the long - drawn - out legal processes that seem designed to keep them in a state of limbo, not knowing if they will be allowed to stay or be sent back. This uncertainty and the overall lack of fairness are typical in ice immigration horror stories.
Delays are a very common element. The long wait times for various stages of the immigration process can cause a great deal of stress. People may have to keep renewing temporary visas while waiting for the final decision, incurring additional costs.
One major common element is financial loss. People might invest a lot of money in the immigration process, such as paying for consultants, language tests, and application fees. If something goes wrong, like the application being rejected or put on hold indefinitely, they lose that money. Also, the emotional toll is huge. People are uprooting their lives, and when things go wrong in the immigration process, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and family breakdowns.
There was a case where an immigrant was wrongly accused of false documentation. ICE agents raided their workplace and took them away in handcuffs in front of all their colleagues. The immigrant was then held in a crowded detention cell with very limited access to proper medical care. They got sick but couldn't get the treatment they needed in a timely manner. This led to a worsening of their condition and a lot of mental distress.
Cold and isolation are very common. In ice horror stories, the cold can be a deadly force, making it hard for characters to survive. Isolation, like being in a vast icy landscape with no help nearby, adds to the fear. Also, things hidden in the ice, such as frozen monsters or ancient evils, are often used.
A common element is having a clear goal. For example, if someone wants better education for their kids, like in the case of a family immigrating to the UK. Another element is meeting the requirements of the destination country. This could be language skills, financial stability, etc. Just like in Canada's immigration system.
A shared element in immigration back stories is the process of adaptation. Once they arrive in the new country, immigrants have to adapt to new cultures, customs and social norms. They may also have to learn a new language. For example, Latin American immigrants in the US need to adapt to the American way of life which can be very different from their own, such as different holidays and social etiquettes.
Family separation at the border is very common. It was a cruel policy that separated kids from their parents.
Family separation is a common theme. Like I said before, families are torn apart at the border, causing emotional distress. Another theme is the long and complex bureaucracy. People often get stuck in the system for years, with no end in sight.
Hard work is a common element. No matter how they entered the country, those who succeed usually put in a great deal of effort. For example, working long hours in low - paying jobs at first.
Family support also plays a crucial role. In many cases, family members help each other out, whether it's by pooling resources or taking care of the children while one family member pursues an education or a business opportunity. For instance, a Mexican immigrant might start a landscaping business with the help of his brothers. They all contribute their skills and time to make it successful. And also, adaptability is key. Mexican immigrants who are successful are able to adapt to the new culture, learn the language, and understand the local business environment. This allows them to integrate well and find opportunities that match their skills and ambitions.