Received a deportation notice? Discover crucial steps to take immediately to secure your future. Contact experts at Vanderwall Immigration for guidance now.
As of March 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported 28,319 people from the U.S. this year. That’s thousands of families separated, jobs lost, and lives uprooted.
A deportation notice can hit like a freight train, especially when you’re just trying to build a better life. Suddenly, every step you take matters. Every deadline becomes urgent. And every mistake could cost you your chance to stay.
This article breaks down exactly what to do next and how to give yourself the best shot at staying in the country.
Read the Notice Carefully
The deportation process often begins with a Notice to Appear (NTA). This document is issued by the Department of Homeland Security and outlines the government’s reasons for seeking removal.
Every NTA contains specific information that must be reviewed carefully. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding the allegations can severely affect the outcome.
Key items to review include:
- Allegations made against the individual
- Charges or legal violations listed
- Date, time, and location of the scheduled hearing
Contact an Immigration Lawyer Immediately
Once the NTA has been reviewed, the next priority is legal representation. A qualified immigration lawyer can evaluate the notice and start planning a defense. Without representation, the risk of deportation increases significantly.
Some benefits of working with experienced immigration attorneys include:
- Legal analysis of the charges and potential defenses
- Representation at every stage of court proceedings
- Filing of requests such as a stay of removal when applicable
Legal support tends to be one of the most impactful decisions during removal proceedings. At Vanderwall Immigration, for example, fixed fees and flexible payment options are offered to avoid surprise costs.
Respond to the Notice and Attend All Hearings
The immigration court expects a formal response to the NTA. Sometimes that’s handled at the first hearing; in other cases, a written reply is needed before then. Missing the deadline can lead to an automatic order of removal.
Every person must attend their hearings in full. The first hearing, known as a Master Calendar Hearing, is usually brief, but it’s still important. Future hearings may be more involved and require evidence or testimony.
Basic steps to stay on track include:
- Reading all mail from the immigration court carefully
- Notifying the court if you move to a new address
- Attending every hearing without exception
File a FOIA Request to Access Your Immigration Records
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request allows access to past immigration records. This can be helpful when the details of prior filings or decisions are unclear.
Requests can be made through USCIS, CBP, ICE, or EOIR, depending on which agency holds the relevant documents. FOIA responses might include entry records, visa applications, or prior removal orders.
Some common uses for FOIA records include:
- Finding old applications or petitions filed in the past
- Verifying the accuracy of government records
- Identifying unresolved removal proceedings
Notify the Court of Any Address Changes Immediately
The court does not update addresses automatically through postal services. If someone moves and fails to file Form EOIR-33, they might miss a hearing date.
Missed hearings can result in immediate removal orders. That, in turn, could block future immigration options or reentry to the U.S. for several years.
Key details about address updates include:
- Form EOIR-33 must be filed within five days of moving
- Separate forms are needed for each court with an open case
- Updates must be made for each family member in proceedings
Gather Supporting Documentation
The next step is to collect records that may help build a defense. These documents are usually used to show ties to the community, risk of hardship, or eligibility for relief.
For those considering citizenship assistance in the future, having a complete record now can help avoid future delays or denials.
Useful documentation often includes:
- Proof of residence such as leases, bills, or ID cards
- Medical records showing ongoing treatment needs
- Tax filings, pay stubs, or employment letters
- Letters of support from family, schools, or community leaders
- Records of U.S. citizen relatives or dependents
Explore Your Deportation Notice Legal Defenses
There are multiple forms of relief from deportation, but not every option fits every case. These legal defenses must be presented clearly and supported by both facts and documents.
An asylum attorney, for instance, may help someone apply for protection based on fear of returning to their country. Others may qualify for cancellation of removal if they meet certain physical presence and hardship requirements.
Common defenses available include:
- Asylum for those fearing persecution in their home country
- Cancellation of removal for long-term residents with family hardship
- Adjustment of status based on family or employer sponsorship
- Voluntary departure to avoid a removal order
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of designated countries
Stay Informed and Avoid Scams
Unfortunately, people facing deportation are often targeted by scammers. These individuals might offer fake legal advice, charge high fees, or guarantee results that can’t be delivered.
Only licensed lawyers or DOJ-accredited representatives are authorized to provide legal help in immigration court. Anyone else could make the case worse.
Red flags to watch for include:
- Promises of guaranteed results
- Demands for cash-only payments
- Lack of written contracts or receipts
- Refusal to provide a bar license or accreditation info
Prepare Emotionally and Practically for Outcomes
Deportation cases are emotionally intense. While legal defense is the focus, planning for possible outcomes is equally important.
Some people may face long waits or uncertain timelines. Others may need to prepare for the possibility of leaving the U.S. While no one wants to think about that, taking small steps early can help reduce stress later.
Things to plan ahead for include:
- Naming a guardian for children in case of removal
- Creating a list of emergency contacts
- Setting up a financial plan, including rent and bills
- Locating support groups or mental health resources
Your Defense Starts with the Right Help
If you’ve received a deportation notice, it’s not the end, but it is a turning point. From reading the notice to exploring defenses, every action counts.
At Vanderwall Immigration, we bring more than legal skill. Our team includes people who’ve lived through the immigration system themselves. We offer clear communication, fixed fees, flexible payment plans, and personalized service from trusted immigration attorneys based in Beaverton and Salem.
Schedule a confidential consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights.
