In a deeply troubling incident that has sparked nationwide outrage, two U.S.-born immigration lawyers residing in Massachusetts were recently instructed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to leave the United States — the very country of their birth and citizenship.
The bizarre directive, delivered via email, has raised urgent questions about DHS protocols, bureaucratic missteps, and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
The lawyers, Nicole Micheroni and Carmen Bello, are both U.S. citizens with established legal careers in immigration law. Their dedication to representing immigrants and ensuring due process now finds a cruel twist as they themselves become victims of a system error that has prompted widespread criticism.
A Stunning Bureaucratic Blunder
Nicole Micheroni, who was born and raised in Massachusetts, received an alarming notice from DHS earlier this year, instructing her to leave the country within seven days.
The communication cited the revocation of her “parole status” — a designation typically reserved for non-citizens granted temporary legal status under exceptional circumstances.
“This is a mistake,” Micheroni told local media. “I’m a U.S. citizen. I was born here. I work in immigration law and this kind of error is unheard of — until now.”
Another Massachusetts-based attorney, Carmen Bello, faced a similar situation. Like Micheroni, Bello is a U.S. citizen, yet she received a comparable message suggesting her continued presence in the country was unlawful.
The notices, vague in content and lacking any official hearing or appeal process, have stunned civil rights experts and immigration law professionals alike.
Legal and Civil Rights Communities Sound the Alarm
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other watchdog organizations have reacted swiftly. “This is a chilling example of what happens when immigration enforcement oversteps its bounds,” said a representative from the ACLU.
“Ordering a U.S. citizen to leave their own country is not just a bureaucratic error — it’s a constitutional violation.”
Legal experts are now calling for an immediate investigation into the DHS systems and internal controls that allowed such directives to be issued. They argue that the agency’s reliance on automated enforcement technologies and administrative shortcuts may be prone to dangerous and unjustifiable mistakes.
Immigration System Under Pressure
These errors come at a time when the U.S. immigration system is under intense scrutiny. The Biden administration has faced growing pressure to enforce immigration laws more strictly amid ongoing challenges at the southern border.
However, critics warn that heightened enforcement efforts must not come at the expense of accuracy or constitutional rights.
In recent months, reports have surfaced of legal visa holders being detained or deported due to clerical errors, expired documents, or cases of mistaken identity. Yet the misidentification of U.S.-born citizens marks a new and highly alarming development.
“Citizenship is a fundamental right,” said immigration attorney Daniel Prescott. “When the government gets that wrong, we are in dangerous territory. These are not small mistakes — they reflect systemic problems.”
Implications for the Legal Community and Beyond
Micheroni and Bello’s cases are not just about two lawyers — they are indicative of a broader issue in how federal agencies manage identity verification and enforcement. Both women, who specialize in advocating for immigrant rights, are now experiencing firsthand the flaws of a system they’ve worked within for years.
There are also concerns about retaliation. Some speculate that immigration attorneys who challenge federal policy or represent controversial clients may face increased scrutiny.
While there is no direct evidence of this in Micheroni and Bello’s cases, the timing and nature of the directives have drawn suspicion.
In response, a coalition of immigration lawyers has launched a campaign demanding a formal apology, system reforms, and safeguards to prevent such events in the future.
DHS Response and Path Forward
The Department of Homeland Security has yet to provide a detailed explanation. A spokesperson stated the agency is “reviewing the matter internally” and reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and constitutional immigration enforcement.
For Micheroni and Bello, the ordeal has caused emotional distress, professional disruption, and serious concerns about the future integrity of the immigration legal system.
“Imagine receiving an email saying you have to leave your own country,” said Bello in a recent interview. “It’s terrifying — and completely unacceptable.”
Advocates are calling for stronger oversight, better training, and an independent review process to ensure that similar incidents never happen again. While immigration remains one of the most complex and polarizing issues in the U.S., experts agree that protecting the rights of citizens must be a non-negotiable priority.
As this story continues to unfold, the legal community and the public at large await answers from DHS — and accountability for what appears to be one of the most shocking errors in recent immigration enforcement history.
For more context on recent immigration enforcement controversies, visit For more context on recent immigration enforcement controversies, visit ACLU Immigration Issues.
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