How Quickly Can Someone Be Deported?
The timeline for deportation can vary from a few weeks to several years, depending on your immigration status, country of origin, criminal history, and other factors, including the extensive backlog in immigration courts. Another critical element is whether the non-citizen fighting deportation has retained skillful representation.
Defending against deportation requires a thorough understanding of multiple areas of law, so it is important to choose an attorney with in-depth experience. At Bassey Immigration Law Center, we handle all your immigration law needs. A skilled and dedicated deportation defense lawyer at our firm can explain your options and possible outcomes and then take the necessary steps to put up your best defense. Schedule an affordable consultation today.
A Closer Look at the Deportation Process
The process begins with the service of a Notice to Appear by ICE. This is typically followed by multiple court appearances and appeals and then detention and removal for those individuals who have lost their cases.
The Notice to Appear should include why the government is seeking your deportation and the legal basis for that decision. These reasons can vary widely and may consist of allegations that you overstayed a visa, committed a crime, are an undocumented immigrant, or are otherwise in violation of U.S. immigration laws.
You will have a chance to argue your case before an immigration court. A positive outcome could take many directions, depending upon the unique circumstances of your case. These outcomes could include cancellation of removal, approval of an immigration waiver, adjustment of status, or some other form of relief. However, even if you’re found not removable in court, there’s still a chance that ICE will appeal that decision.
Moreover, even if a court deems you are subject to deportation, the date of your physical removal may still lie years in the future. The immigration court system moves slowly. If you appeal the initial decision, it may take years for an immigration court to hear that appeal.
Additional Factors That Can Change the Timeline of Removal
Additional factors may also affect the timeline of your deportation, which can consist of the length of time you’ve been in the U.S., your distance from the nearest border, whether you have close family ties in the U.S., the likelihood you will be persecuted in your home country, and your criminal record.
Finally, when you receive a notice of a deportation hearing, seek legal help as soon as possible. Even if you or your loved one already faces deportation proceedings, you can request an adjustment of your status to that of a legal immigrant and thus avoid being deported. In such circumstances, you would need to qualify for a green card, asylum, or other types of relief.
Schedule A Consultation with Bassey Immigration Law Center
At Bassey Immigration Law, we explain your options and possible outcomes and then take the steps needed to put up your best defense. In addition to our experience handling immigration law matters, we also have personal experience that helps us understand and empathize with our clients. A deportation defense lawyer in Clearwater is prepared to make a proactive and positive difference in your case.
If you or someone close to you is facing deportation/removal, we are here to provide you with the trusted counsel and skilled representation you need. Schedule an affordable consultation today.
