Marshfield Rotary welcomed guest speaker Andy Reigel last week. Reigel is an immigration attorney, and he provided an overview of the United States immigration system. Reigel was raised in Argentina before moving to Central Wisconsin; growing up as a native Spanish speaker navigating different cultures has brought genuine empathy to his work beyond his professional expertise. The club found his overview incredibly informative, leading to an extended question-and-answer session following the main presentation.
During his talk, Reigel highlighted that the US immigration system is notably complex and difficult to navigate compared to other nations, yet emphasized that immigrants play a vital role in strengthening local communities. He explained that the system is divided across three federal departments: the Department of State, which controls overseas embassies; the Department of Justice, which oversees immigration courts and deportation hearings; and the Department of Homeland Security. Under Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services handles status applications, Customs and Border Protection manages border entries, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement oversees internal enforcement.
Reigel described the US immigration system as primarily a "pull system," where a sponsor inside the United States—generally a family member or an employer—must petition for an individual residing abroad. Because these applications frequently take years to receive approval, navigating the system requires immense patience. He also noted that while humanitarian avenues to enter the United States do exist, they are currently limited significantly.
Sharing a glimpse into his daily professional life, Reigel noted that when he is not working on active cases, he is either representing clients in court or conducting detailed consultations. During these meetings, he carefully evaluates individual situations to determine how to best assist people with their specific immigration matters.
In closing, Reigel addressed the current immigration climate, describing it as extreme due to recent administration policies that have increased enforcement while simultaneously narrowing the already difficult pathways to legally migrate. The Marshfield Rotary extends its sincere thanks to Andy Reigel for sharing his valuable time and expertise with the club.