Immigration Law: Available Defenses in Deportation/Removal Proceedings

Immigration Law

Published on Apr 16, 2023

Understanding Deportation/Removal Proceedings in Immigration Law

Deportation or removal proceedings refer to the legal process through which the United States government seeks to remove non-citizens from the country. These proceedings can be initiated for various reasons, including violations of immigration laws, criminal convictions, or overstaying a visa. When facing deportation or removal, individuals have the right to present defenses to challenge their removal from the country.

Available Defenses in Deportation/Removal Proceedings

There are several defenses that individuals facing deportation or removal can explore with the help of legal services specializing in immigration law. These defenses include:

Cancellation of Removal

One of the available defenses in deportation or removal proceedings is cancellation of removal. This defense is available to both lawful permanent residents and non-permanent residents who meet certain eligibility requirements. For lawful permanent residents, the eligibility requirements include having been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, having continuously resided in the United States for seven years after being admitted, and not having been convicted of an aggravated felony. Non-permanent residents must demonstrate that they have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least ten years, have been of good moral character during this time, and show that their removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to their qualifying relatives.

Criminal Waivers

For individuals facing deportation or removal due to criminal convictions, a criminal waiver may be available as a defense. A criminal waiver can potentially overcome certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability based on criminal convictions. The availability of a criminal waiver and its impact on deportation proceedings can vary depending on the specific criminal convictions and the individual's immigration history. Seeking legal services from an experienced immigration lawyer is crucial in navigating the complexities of criminal waivers in deportation cases.

Asylum and Withholding of Removal

Asylum seekers facing deportation have the option to apply for asylum or withholding of removal as a defense. Asylum may be granted to individuals who have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Withholding of removal, on the other hand, requires individuals to demonstrate a clear probability of persecution if returned to their home country. Seeking legal representation from an attorney experienced in asylum cases is essential for asylum seekers facing deportation.

Consequences of Overstaying a Visa

Overstaying a visa can lead to deportation or removal proceedings. However, individuals who have overstayed their visas may have potential defenses available to them, such as pursuing adjustment of status through a family-based or employment-based petition, seeking relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), or exploring other forms of relief for which they may be eligible. It is important for individuals who have overstayed their visas to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney to explore their options and potential defenses.

Seeking Legal Assistance for Immigration Court Proceedings

Navigating deportation or removal proceedings can be complex and overwhelming. Seeking legal services from an experienced immigration lawyer is crucial for individuals facing deportation. An immigration attorney can provide guidance on available defenses, assist in preparing a strong case, represent clients in immigration court, and advocate for their rights throughout the legal process. Additionally, an attorney can help individuals understand the potential consequences of deportation and explore all possible avenues for relief.

Conclusion

Deportation or removal proceedings under immigration law can have serious implications for individuals and their families. However, it is important to remember that there are available defenses that can be pursued with the assistance of legal services specializing in immigration law. Whether it is cancellation of removal, criminal waivers, asylum, or other forms of relief, seeking legal representation from a knowledgeable immigration attorney is essential for individuals facing deportation or removal. By understanding the available defenses and seeking experienced legal assistance, individuals can work towards protecting their rights and pursuing a favorable outcome in immigration court proceedings.


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