Facing Removal from the United States
The removal process, or deportation is when the U.S. government sends a person back to his or her native country. Too often, an immigrant faces removal after being convicted of a crime, like stealing a car. Regardless of the reason why you face removal charges, it is important to know that the U.S. government can’t simply kick you out of the country on a whim: there are steps they must follow, and you are allowed to seek representation form an immigration attorney to help you.
How the removal process starts
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division, or ICE, starts removal proceedings. An ICE official will serve an immigrant with a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an immigration judge. The NTA will tell you why you’re facing removal, that you can hire an attorney, what will happen in the coming days/weeks/months, and that there are consequences for failing to appear in court when you are supposed to be there.
You can hire an immigration attorney at any time, of course, but it is best to hire one as quickly as possible after you receive the NTA. Since you will need to appear before a judge, you want someone to represent you to ensure that the best possible case is made for the cancellation of your removal, or whether or not you are eligible for relief of some other kind.
Why you were “chosen” to appear
Just because you are given an NTA does not mean that you will automatically be deported. It does indicate, however, that your status is in question for some reason. Some of the more common reasons an immigrant is served with an NTA include:
- Phone tips made to ICE about your potential status as undocumented
- Being charged with, and/or convicted of, a crime
- Failing to successfully submit an application for a visa, a green card or asylum
- Entering the country through non-legal means
- Your workplace being raided
Remember: if you are here in Tennessee legally, the judge may simply dismiss your case. But if there were difficulties or complexities surrounding your visa or green card application, it is a smart move to contact a Nashville immigration lawyer who can represent you during hearings.
If you are facing removal charges, we want to help. Please contact the Law Office of Perry A. Craft in Nashville to speak with a dedicated immigration attorney.
Perry A. Craft has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has tried, settled, or resolved numerous civil and criminal cases in State and Federal courts, and has represented teachers and administrators before school boards, administrative judges, and the state Board of Education. Learn more about Attorney Craft.