Deportation Defense Lawyer

Reasons For Deportation

Although many people believe that only undocumented immigrants face deportation, the U.S. government frequently initiates removal proceedings against immigrants who have lived in the country legally for many years.

The law provides many grounds for deportation, such as:

* Changes in circumstances so that a visa is no longer supported

* Violation of the terms of a visa

* Failing to inform USCIS of a change of address

* Illegal entry into the U.S.

* Participation in illegal activity

* Fraud in immigration, such as a sham marriage

* Receiving public assistance

To fight removal, our attorney may be able to show that the allegations are incorrect. For instance, if you are accused of fraud, it may be possible to demonstrate that you acted in good faith or that the circumstances supporting a visa have not changed meaningfully.

Alternatively, our attorney can also argue that, while immigration authorities may have grounds for removal, deportation in your particular circumstances violates public policy, and relief should be granted. For example, a defense lawyer could show that removal would cause extreme hardship to family members who are citizens or that you qualify for asylum.

Relief from Deportation

At West Legal Group, we can use various methods to show why removal is not warranted or to demonstrate why you should be granted relief from removal. Options available for removal defense vary according to your unique circumstances.

Strategies we successfully use for clients include:

* Requesting asylum

* Seeking adjustment of status

* Cancellation of removal

* Requesting a visa for unique circumstances such as crime victimization

* Waivers of inadmissibility or other issues

In many situations, immigration judges have considerable discretion when deciding whether to grant relief in removal proceedings.

When your attorney has the chance to work with you for enough time to understand your connections to the community, the situation in your home country, and other factors affecting your immigration status, your lawyer has more opportunities to find avenues for relief and can advocate effectively on your behalf.

If You Are in Detention

Immigration authorities may initiate removal proceedings for various reasons, hitting people from all walks of life. Some may have just entered the U.S., while others facing deportation are lawful permanent residents who have lived and worked in the U.S. for a significant amount of time. The one factor that everyone in removal shares is the right to defend against unfair removal.

If you have been detained, we can work to obtain an Immigration Bond so that you can be with your loved ones. Sometimes, a bond can be negotiated quickly after detention without needing a hearing, so it is best to contact us quickly.

Whether negotiating with a Deportation Officer or seeking a bond from an Immigration Judge, our experienced attorney can demonstrate why your ties to the community make you a good candidate for release on a reasonable bond.

Work with Our Experienced Houston Deportation Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one are facing deportation proceedings, you need to understand all your options for defense and how to take advantage of the right opportunities. Working with an immigration lawyer experienced in removal proceedings gives you access to all the information you need. You will also have an advocate you can turn to for advice and who will make a well-prepared case on your behalf with immigration authorities.

Immigration judges are not mean, but they are overworked. To succeed with immigration defense, you must make your case succinctly and persuasively. That requires a thorough knowledge of applicable laws, policies, and procedures in deportation hearings.

At West Legal Group, we have dedicated our lives to helping immigrants achieve their goals. We understand the challenges you are facing, and we are ready to help.

The Removal Process

Most of the time, someone already living in the U.S. can only be removed through formal proceedings. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may arrest you if they suspect you of violating the law, or other law enforcement officials may turn you over to ICE. You may be taken into custody or released, but if you receive a Notice to Appear, removal proceedings are underway, and it is essential to take great care with what happens next.

An immigration lawyer can provide advice to ensure that, if you are facing removal, you do not say or do something to jeopardize your chances of fighting deportation. Our attorney can also protect your rights and build the best possible case for a defense. If you are detained, prompt intervention by a deportation defense lawyer could enable a quick release on bond. We can provide representation at a bond hearing to secure release during proceedings if necessary.

Generally, the removal process begins when you receive a Notice to Appear with a hearing date. It is vitally important to attend this hearing and all other dates assigned by the court. Failure to follow instructions will not only damage your opportunities to fight deportation now but could also be held against you in the future.

The next step is usually a Master Calendar hearing. While this is a short proceeding, it is essential because this is where you should present any applications for relief from removal. At the Master Hearing, the court will determine how the matter will proceed. After that, you will be summoned to a hearing where the court will decide the merits of your case.

Working with our dedicated deportation defense lawyer throughout the process helps ensure that you can take advantage of all available options to fight removal.