Beaverton Deportation Defense Attorney

Providing Strategic Deportation Defense Representation in Beaverton

Removal Proceedings

In the U.S. immigration system, the government uses removal proceedings to expel non-citizens. Typically, a non-citizen is sent back to their home country, but in any event, they must leave the U.S. when ordered.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can only use expedited removal in certain situations. Instead, the government usually must institute removal proceedings and give a non-citizen the chance to defend themselves.

You will know you are in removal proceedings when you receive a Notice to Appear (NTA). This document should give you the date and time of a hearing before an immigration judge. This is the first step in the removal proceedings process which can end in your deportation.

The NTA should also explain why you are deportable. For example, you might have overstayed a visa or you committed a crime that results in deportation. Remember to save this document and to review it carefully.

An immigration judge will need to decide if you are deportable. Remember not to blow off your hearing. If you fail to appear, an immigration judge could simply order you deported, which is one reason you need to plan carefully to bring the right defense.

What Are Winning Deportation Defense Strategies?

A non-citizen has a right to present a defense at their hearing. This is not a criminal trial—still, the law grants you the right to raise a defense. And you should take full advantage.

One option is to challenge the factual allegations contained in the Notice to Appear. For example, the government might allege you overstayed a visa. If that’s not true, you can defend yourself that way.

You might also raise other defenses:

• Asylum. The U.S. can grant asylum status to someone who is facing persecution in their home country due to their nationality, religion, race, membership in a social group, or political opinion. If you receive asylum, then you are protected from deportation.
• Adjustment of status. You can request lawful permanent resident status, which will result in a green card. You can do that while in the U.S. Adjustment of status is not automatic. Instead, your eligibility will depend on certain factors like employment, family relationships, or refugee status.
• Cancellation of removal. You might get your removal canceled if you meet specific eligibility criteria, such as good moral character, continuous physical presence in the United States, and hardship on a family member in the U.S. who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident. Cancellation of removal has stringent requirements. You must do more than allege that removal would be inconvenient. Call Vanderwall Immigration for help determining if you can request cancellation.
• Deportation waivers. Some of our clients obtain a waiver of deportation. There are different waivers available, so work closely with an experienced lawyer. Generally, you need to establish extreme hardship to yourself or a qualifying family member who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. For example, a waiver for unlawful presence is available (I-601).
• Voluntary departure. There might be situations where it’s in your best interest to voluntarily leave the country. Contact us. We can discuss whether this is the right choice for you.

Why You Need an Experienced Deportation Defense Lawyer

Immigration law is complex. Lawyers spend years studying the law to fully understand how all the pieces fit together. Obtaining cancellation of removal, for example, requires substantial paperwork and documentation to be successful. Immigration judges expect to see a well-documented defense.

Some non-citizens attend hearings without a lawyer and make an emotional plea to stay in the country. Unfortunately, emotion is not enough. You need solid evidence you qualify for asylum, cancellation of removal, or another defense.

The U.S. deports more than 70,000 people annually. The government has no problem getting you on a plane and sending you away from family and friends. Hire a seasoned Beaverton deportation defense lawyer to improve the chances of staying in the country.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid?

If you receive an NTA, you should immediately stop what you are doing and call us. In any event, you should avoid the following mistakes.

• Don’t flee. Some people simply hit the road and relocate because they fear deportation. Unfortunately, ICE can find you, no matter where you go. It’s better to put up a solid defense and see if you can get an immigration judge to agree that you can stay.
• Never represent yourself at the hearing. Immigration judges don’t represent you, nor are they looking out for your best interests. There are also very few “do overs” in the immigration context. If you lose at the hearing, then it’s hard to prevent the deportation.
• Don’t give up hope. Our firm has helped countless clients obtain relief from deportation, including adjustment of status, asylum status, or even cancellation. We’ll review whether you qualify for waivers.
• Avoid waiting too long. We are happy to help anyone who calls us.  But you will improve your chances of bringing a successful defense if you give your legal team plenty of time to gather evidence and analyze the law.
• Do not assume a green card protects you. The government can still seek deportation of lawful permanent residents. It’s rare—but it certainly happens, particularly for those who commit fraud in the process.

Contact Vanderwall Immigration. We have tips to share with our clients about how to pull together a strong defense to removal proceedings.

Why Choose Vanderwall Immigration for Your Deportation Defense in Beaverton?

After receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA), you should reach out to Vanderwall Immigration. Our firm has the competency and experience non-citizens need when facing removal proceedings. Deportation is not inevitable. We have defended many clients successfully and helped them stay in the United States. Some have even gone on to receive green cards.

If you call, our firm can meet with you in a confidential setting to go over your case:

• Review your NTA, including the reasons given for your removal;
• Answer questions you have about removal and its impact on you and your family;
• Discuss possible defenses based on the facts of your case;
• Gather required documents and records in support of your defense;
• Attend removal hearings with you and answer a judge’s questions;
• Present evidence at your hearing and argue for your defense;
• Do whatever it takes to protect your future.

Some firms do immigration law on the side, but it’s the reason we got into law in the first place. Let us help you.

Speak with a Beaverton Deportation Defense Attorney Today

Receiving a Notice to Appear is a frightening experience. Many men and women have serious questions, including what happens to their children who are citizens by virtue of being born in the U.S. Give Vanderwall Immigration a call. We can meet to discuss your situation and begin reviewing possible defenses. You do not have to go through this process alone.