If you're facing deportation, you may be wondering how to go about fighting it. First, you need to know your current immigration status. Are you in the country legally, or are you residing here illegally? If you're in the country legally, but have no documentation, you may have to leave the country. However, you may also be a citizen of the U.S. and you can fight the deportation by applying for adjustment of status.
Immigration hearings are held to decide if you should be deported or not. You will receive a Notice to Appear if you've been charged with a criminal offense or violated visa conditions. During this hearing, you'll need to appear in front of an immigration judge. If you fail to appear, you risk deportation. Your attorney may represent you in the hearing. He or she can argue your case and present evidence on your behalf. If the case is denied, you can appeal the final decision of the immigration judge.
While it's tempting to leave the country on your own, you'll need the assistance of an attorney to fight the deportation proceedings. Although voluntary departure may seem like an easy solution, immigration law in the U.S. is complicated. You'll need the help of an immigration attorney who has a wealth of experience dealing with these matters.
Legal aid programs can provide vital assistance to immigrants facing deportation. Many cities and counties have started legal aid funds for immigrants. In New York, the city has implemented a deportation defense program and advocates report an increase in immigrant immigration court wins. Additionally, the Southern Poverty Law Center has announced a project to train immigration attorneys to represent immigrants in the Southeastern United States. While this is a major step forward, advocates are working to create universal representation for all immigrants facing deportation.
The most common reasons for deportation are criminal convictions and unauthorized presence in the United States. However, mistakes are made, so it's important to understand what the allegations against you mean. In many cases, the government might not have the best intentions when removing you. To fight deportation, you must convince a judge that your case is justified. If your case is dismissed, you can appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
If you've been served with a notice of removal, you should not ignore it. It's vital that you understand your rights and the process of fighting deportation. The removal process can cause tremendous stress, and you may be scared or confused. After all, you're facing the threat of losing your home country, your spouse, or your children. Don't let your fear cause you to lose everything you've worked so hard to achieve.
In California, there are hundreds of immigrants fighting deportation. Immigration court has the world's highest concentration of legal muscle, and it is staffed by hundreds of poor immigrant immigrants fighting deportation. But there's a problem. Even though the immigration court system provides a court-appointed lawyer, there are fly-by-night operators who are only interested in ripping off unsuspecting people. That's why you should always hire an immigration lawyer before you go to court.