Deportation is a form of expelling a person from a country. The word comes from the Latin verb eportare, which means “to transport.” It was once a common punishment for criminals, especially political criminals and those found guilty of murder, rape, forgery, and other serious crimes. It was also sometimes used as a means of exile for those who were considered to have acted dishonestly or against public morals. Deportation may be accompanied by confiscation of property and loss of citizenship.
During the past decades, there has been a growing focus on deportations in the United States and in Europe. Some of the reasons for this increase have been due to the coronavirus, the recent rise in mixed migration, and a general focus on lawbreakers by immigration agencies. This article explores the history of deportation and how it impacts individuals, families, and communities.
In the United States, deportation is overseen by an immigration judge. The government can deport anyone who does not have a valid visa or has been convicted of certain crimes. Immigration laws can vary by state, but the most common grounds for deportation include:
An immigrant might be placed in removal proceedings if the government finds they are not eligible to remain in the country or they have violated the terms of their visa or immigration status. The grounds for removability can change from year to year, but some examples of grounds include:
Whether an immigration judge grants a continuance to pursue pending benefits at USCIS or orders someone deported depends on the circumstances. The current administration is pressuring immigration judges to complete cases as quickly as possible, which can mean more continuances are denied. It also depends on where the immigration court is located and how many immigration judges are assigned to that location.
The deportation process can be lengthy, but there are ways to avoid or mitigate it. One option is to work with a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney. It is crucial to have an advocate in your corner as removal proceedings can be very complex.
A skilled and experienced immigration lawyer can review your case, determine whether you are subject to expedited removal, and fight to keep you in the country if your case is proceeding to deportation. The stakes are high, because if you are deported, it will be difficult to reapply to return to the United States for several years, or ever. In addition, a deportation order makes it impossible to bring family members into the country. Family unity is an important component of our society, and a deportation order can have significant impact on children, including U.S. citizen children. This is why it is so important to seek legal help as soon as you find out you are in removal proceedings.