Noncitizens in Deportation or Removal Proceedings

Whether an immigrant has been arrested by immigration authorities within the U.S., submitted an application to USCIS that was rejected, or successfully requested an asylum hearing upon entry to the U.S., his or her rights and claim for relief will be decided upon by an Immigration Judge, within the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). Learn how the deportation and removal process functions.

Explanation of deportation (removal) and a step-by-step overview of what to expect in removal proceedings.

Summary of the U.S. immigration law's list of grounds upon which a green card holder can be removed from the U.S.

Overview of how crimes of moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, and other crimes can make even a green card holder deportable from the U.S.

A plea bargain or no contest plea may turn out to be a worse deal than it appears if it makes you deportable or removable from the U.S.

Being undocumented in the U.S. doesn't always mean you have to fear deportation.

As small an act as checking the "citizen" box on a form can get someone deported from the U.S.

It has become crucial for non-citizens in removal proceedings to double check where their case is and when they might be called for a hearing.

Although it rarely happens, immigrants can be deported for failing to notify the U.S. government of their changes of address.

You must, unless you've made a successful motion for a continuance, attend your court date as scheduled

A witness may lend additional credibility to your case, corroborate your story, or offer expert testimony.

There are more than 180 immigration detention facilities in the United States, usually located far from major cities. Some house several thousand detainees at any one time, mixing aliens who have criminal records with others who don't.

What to expect, and what to do first, if someone you know has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities.

How family members of detained noncitizens can help financially, by paying a bond for the person's release.

How the Immigration Judge decides whether to release someone from detention upon payment of a bond.

If you paid money so your friend or relative would be released from detention, and to make sure the person shows up for court proceedings, how do you get the bond money back when court is over?

It is up to you to request bond. Unlike your immigration court proceeding, you do not receive information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Immigration Court regarding your bond hearing.

Get the details on what types of noncitizens can be made to leave the U.S. without first seeing an immigration judge using the procedure known as expedited removal.

If your green card doesn't work to get you back into the U.S. after foreign travel, you may need to attend a Deferred Inspection appointment.

Are you a foreign-born person who's received a “call-in” letter from the Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)? Here's what it might mean.

Dealing with the risk of arrest by U.S. immigration authorities during ICE check-in appointments.

Learn more about making custody arrangements for your U.S. citizen child in the event you are an immigrant who is arrested or deported.

How to read the document showing the charges against you for immigration proceedings.

If the judge in Immigration Court orders the non-citizen deported, when is that a done deal?

Failure to appear for a scheduled removal hearing means that the Immigration Judge (IJ) will most likely have ordered you to be removed  in absentia  (without your presence in court).

If you risk losing your lawful permanent residence based on having helped others cross the U.S. border unlawfully, applying for a waiver may help you gain the right to remain.

What to prepare and present to the job as evidence that you should not be deported from the U.S.

The easy definition of an undocumented immigrant is that it’s a foreign-born person who doesn’t have a legal right to be or remain in the United States. But that’s where the easy part stops.

Learn more about making custody arrangements for your U.S. citizen child in the event you are an immigrant who is arrested or deported.

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