Personal Injury · Legal Guide
Deportation Defense: Fighting for Your Right to Stay in the United States
Facing removal proceedings can be terrifying. But with an experienced immigration attorney, you may have more options than you realize — including cancellation of removal and asylum.
Receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) for removal proceedings is one of the most frightening experiences an immigrant can face. But being placed in removal proceedings does not mean deportation is inevitable. There are multiple legal defenses available — but time is critical.
Grounds for Deportation
- Criminal convictions (even minor ones)
- Overstaying a visa
- Unauthorized employment
- Fraud or misrepresentation on immigration forms
- Entering without authorization
Legal Defenses Against Deportation
- Cancellation of removal — for lawful residents with 7+ years of continuous presence and no aggravated felonies
- Asylum — for those fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
- Withholding of removal — prevents return to a country where you face serious harm
- Convention Against Torture (CAT) — protection against torture by or at the instigation of a government
- Adjustment of status — if you're eligible for a green card through family or employment
What to Do If You Receive a Notice to Appear
Do not ignore the notice. Attend all court hearings — failure to appear results in an automatic removal order. Contact an immigration attorney immediately to understand your options and begin building your defense.