What to Expect During Removal Proceedings

You may have already spent several years in the United States establishing your life and planting roots here. Unfortunately, receiving a Notice to Appear can derail your plans and suddenly, your future may be very uncertain. You may receive a Notice to Appear from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or another agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

If you receive a Notice to Appear, it means the United States government has started removal proceedings against you. During removal proceedings, an immigration judge will determine if you should be deported. Facing removal proceedings is stressful and overwhelming and you should not go through it alone. Below, our Atlanta deportation defense lawyer explains what you can expect during the process.

Reasons for Being Placed Into Removal Proceedings 

It is not always clear why you receive a Notice to Appear. There are many legal grounds the U.S. government can use to start removal proceedings. These include:

• You entered the country without proper inspection or documentation.
• You chose to remain in the United States after your visa has expired.
• While in the United States, you were charged with committing a crime.
• You were accused of violating immigration law while in the country.
• The U.S. government suspects you of being a threat to national safety.

An Atlanta deportation defense lawyer can advise on the facts of your case and determine the reason you were placed into removal proceedings.

What to Expect During Removal Proceedings

After receiving a Notice to Appear, you are required to attend an initial hearing known as the Master Calendar Hearing. You will appear in immigration court with others who have also been placed into removal proceedings. This hearing is your opportunity to deny or admit to the charges against you. If you deny the charges, you can state that you intend to challenge the removal. If you admit to the charges, you can then ask for relief from removal.

After the Master Calendar Hearing, you will then attend your individual hearing. At the time the government will present its case against you and why you should be removed from the country. You can also argue your defense against the charges. It is important to collect strong evidence such as witness testimony, and work with an attorney who can help you fight your case.

The immigration judge will make a decision after your individual hearing. If the judge does not decide in your favor, you can file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. The government entity trying to have you removed from the country is also given the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Our Deportation Defense Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help You Through the Process

Facing removal proceedings is scary and stressful, but our Atlanta deportation defense lawyer can help you navigate the process. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Law today at 404-523-3611. Serving clients in Atlanta, Moultrie, and Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN.

Source:

justice.gov/eoir/reference-materials/ic/chapter-4/2