Doctor Receives Serious Email to Leave U.S. Despite Citizenship

CROMWELL, Conn. — Lisa Anderson, a physician and U.S. citizen, was shocked to receive an email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) instructing her to leave the United States immediately. The email, which stated, ‘It is time for you to leave the United States,’ left Anderson, 58, confused and concerned about her citizenship status.

Born in Pennsylvania and having never faced legal issues, Anderson initially thought the email was spam. However, after verifying its authenticity, she began to carry her U.S. passport at all times and is now seeking the counsel of an immigration attorney. ‘The language seemed pretty threatening to whomever it might actually apply to,’ Anderson said, reflecting on the email’s alarming nature.

The DHS confirmed the issuance of these notices, primarily aimed at individuals lacking lawful status in the U.S. According to a senior DHS official, if a non-personal email, such as an American citizen’s contact, was linked to an undocumented person, notices may have been sent to unintended recipients. ‘CBP is monitoring communications and will address any issues on a case-by-case basis,’ the official stated.

The incident follows a similar experience reported by Boston immigration attorney Nicole Micheroni, who also received an email demanding her departure despite being a U.S. citizen. Micheroni expressed her confusion, noting the distress these notices could cause to recipients. ‘If I get this, who else is out there?’ she questioned.

Anderson emphasized the potential impact on others like her, saying, ‘It does make me concerned there’re a lot more people out there like me who probably also thought this was spam, who didn’t realize, ‘I have a problem.’ She is actively seeking advice and support from immigration attorneys in Boston.

The DHS clarified its enforcement strategy, asserting that being in the United States is a privilege, not a right. The department is committed to acting in the best interest of the country and ensuring that immigration laws are enforced appropriately. Anderson has encouraged others who receive such emails to take them seriously and seek legal assistance.

As inquiries into this matter continue, Anderson hopes for a resolution and reassures others in her situation about the importance of confirming their immigration status. In a time of heightened scrutiny surrounding immigration, this incident underscores the anxiety felt by citizens who may find themselves wrongly targeted.