Deportation (also called removal) is the forced return of a noncitizen to his or her home country. It is a legal process overseen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that begins when a noncitizen violates immigration laws or commits certain crimes, such as drug offenses or aggravated felonies. Deportation can affect all people, including lawfully present spouses and children who have no criminal record, and even those who are long-standing members of their communities. Deportation is never simple, but if you find yourself in deportation proceedings, the help of an experienced attorney is invaluable.
Under the current administration, noncitizens are being deported at a staggering rate and the number of families and individuals being separated has reached record levels. In many cases, the government tries to make the process go quickly by asking a person to sign something agreeing to depart without a hearing. This is often the fastest way to be deported, but it is against the law and does not protect your rights. You always have the right to a lawyer and to a fair hearing in your case.
Mass deportations would require a dramatic and costly expansion of immigration enforcement efforts, disrupting communities and sowing division on a scale not seen since the 1940s. Local and state law enforcement officers would be compelled to conduct deportation-related patrols, diverting resources from crime prevention and emergency preparedness. The military and the National Guard could also be dragged into this effort, channeling resources away from disaster response and other traditional roles for our armed forces.
To carry out a deportation campaign of this magnitude, DHS would need to dramatically expand its detention facilities and deploy thousands of military and civilian personnel to the field. It would also need to build vast holding facilities, which have been described as “camps,” on open land near the border. This would cost billions of dollars, as would the deployment of hundreds of planes to transport those removed from the United States.
When a person is deported, they are expected to stay out of the country for a specific number of years—usually five—before applying for U.S. reentry. There are exceptions to this requirement, depending on the type of deportation, the reason for the deportation, and whether or not you qualify for an available form of relief from removal. For this reason, it is important that you talk to an immigration attorney as soon as possible if you find yourself facing removal proceedings. We will discuss the options for reentry and help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation. We can also assist you with an asylum application if necessary. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to fight for you. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. We have offices in Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. We look forward to hearing from you. To get started, fill out our online form or give us a call.