Deportation & Removal
The term "deportation" is now referred to as “removal” under current U.S. immigration laws. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, immigrants living in the U.S. may be removed from the country by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a variety of reasons depending on their legal status and other details specific to their situation. For instance, some people may be removed for being convicted of certain crimes, or because they illegally entered the U.S.. Other immigrants, however, may be able to avoid removal because of their marriage to a U.S. citizen, family relationship with a U.S. citizen, or their entitlement to asylum due to persecution in their native countries. Those who have a well-founded fear of persecution if they return to their home country may apply for asylum if that fear is based on any of the following grounds:
- Political Opinions or Ideology
- Religious beliefs
- Ethnicity
- Nationality
- Organizational Membership
If an immigrant is granted asylum, they may apply for permanent resident status again after one year. Withholding of Deportation, though similar to asylum, differs in two ways: First, it does not automatically permit the immigrant to apply for permanent residence. Second, it only prohibits the USCIS from deporting the alien to one particular country. It is therefore possible that an individual whose deportation has been withheld may simply be deported to another country. Again, in this scenario the specifics of one’s case may decide the ultimate outcome.
An immigration attorney is a vital component to succeeding in a removal hearing. U.S. citizens charged with crimes are guaranteed legal representation if he or she cannot afford to hire an attorney. Immigrants are not entitled to the same rights as citizens, and thus are not entitled to any representation. It is therefore very much in your interest to hire legal council to stand with you in fighting deportation.
Denver Immigration Advocates will help those who find themselves placed in removal proceedings to find out what relief is available in your situation and what can be done to prevent you or your family members from being deported. The federal court system is so complex that many people who have worked hard, built families and lives, and deserve to stay in the US, end up being deported simply because they don’t know the rules of the system. Our attorneys are dedicated to finding the best possible defenses and solutions available to you to help you stay with your family here lawfully in the United States, and can work towards obtaining cancellation of removal, suspensions of deportation, waiver of deportation, or other forms of relief. If you are facing deportation, you could be missing important deadlines right now. You only have 30 days to appeal your case to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a final decision in the immigration court. If it has been over 30 days, it may be possible to have your case reopened. Contact the Denver Immigration Advocates today for your initial consultation.
To speak with an attorney about any of these services please call (303) 477-2309 or email us through our contact page.