Protecting Your Future in the United States

How to Avoid Deportation in U.S.:

Unless you are a U.S. citizen, deportation is always a potential threat. At U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP, we don’t simply help clients obtain visas and citizenship. We assist individuals and families at every stage of the immigration journey, helping them take the necessary steps to protect their status and, if applicable, avoid a removal proceeding. The consequences of deportation are severe—not the least of which is the separation from your job, home, and loved ones. Deportation will even prevent you from returning to the U.S. for years after the proceeding.

Your Deportation Defense Options:

Prevention is the first and perhaps most effective line of defense against deportation. At U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP, we advise all our clients regarding the steps they should take to protect their status, avoid violating the terms of their status, and more. The better you understand your rights and responsibilities, the easier it will be to avoid a removal proceeding.

Here are just a few of the many factors that can lead to removal:

• Entering the U.S. unlawfully
• Overstaying a visa
• Providing fraudulent documents
• Entering a fraudulent marriage
• Committing certain crimes
• Helping others enter the U.S. illegally (i.e. alien smuggling)
• Engaging in activities that compromise national security



Many immigrants, however, find themselves facing deportation despite their best efforts and highest level of care in avoiding the above issues. In some cases, an immigration official initiates removal proceedings based on incorrect information or a faulty application of immigration policies. In fact, we have had clients in removal proceedings that were U.S. Citizens by operation of law! 

We may be able to help you avoid deportation through one of the following:

• Legalization and registry
• Suspension of the deportation order
• Waivers or prosecutorial discretion
• Cancellation of removal
• Humanitarian relief
• Adjustment of status through a family member or employer
• Voluntary departure

The right strategy for you will depend on a variety of factors, which our deportation defense team will carefully scrutinize before providing recommendations and moving forward with a plan of action.

What does the removal or deportation process entail?

The removal or deportation process begins when you receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) from ICE. The NTA will contain factual allegations and charges which will need to be reviewed with you and admitted to or denied.

The court will ask if you need to get a lawyer. If you are eligible for deportation relief, you may apply for it without one, however, if you are not actually eligible, you will be deported. Legal representation is not provided at government expense.

Once your merits hearing has been set you will have the opportunity to give testimony and provide proof why you should not be deported. It very difficult to successfully win a case without an attorney who understands the law advocating for you. If the immigration judge does not rule in your favor you may reserve the right to appeal your case to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

How Long Do Deportation Proceedings Take?

The length of deportation proceedings can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the availability of the court, and the specific circumstances of the individual. Deportation proceedings might last anywhere from a few months to several years.

Additional factors that may affect how long the deportation process will take:

• Availability of immigration judges
• Legal strategies and proceedings such as filing an appeal or a motion to reopen may extend the duration of deportation proceedings
• Level of cooperation between the person facing deportation and immigration authorities
• Changes in immigration policies
• Negotiations and settlements may lead to a solution outside of a full deportation hearing

Motion to Terminate Removal Proceedings:

As a removal defense strategy, a deportation defense attorney may file a motion to stop removal proceedings. This motion can be filed immediately after receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) or later on during the case. By filing, the attorney shows reasons why the case presented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is flawed. The motion may point out inaccuracies in the facts presented by DHS, incorrect interpretations of immigration law, or arguments suggesting that the claims made by DHS do not even justify deportation. Arguments regarding particular immigration benefits can also be presented in the motion to terminate. For example, the motion could detail the noncitizen's eligibility for programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or a U-visa, or it could convey the intention to apply for a green card through an adjustment of status.

In some cases, DHS attorneys and private attorneys may even work together to file joint requests to terminate removal proceedings, particularly when an immigrant is also applying for an immigration benefit.

At U.S. Immigration Law Group, with our team-based approach, you benefit from the help of not just one attorney, but an entire team backed by years of experience. Our firm provides dedicated support and personalized attention to help you against deportation.