DEPORTATION DEFENSE
The U.S. Government may place an individual into removal proceedings (deportation) for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
- If you entered the country without being admitted (undocumented entry);
- If you overstayed the period of lawful status on a temporary visa;
- If you worked without employment authorization, or otherwise violated the terms of your visa status; or,
- If you have been convicted of a certain crime.
If you are in removal proceedings, or at risk of being placed into removal proceedings for one of the above reasons, it is critical that you speak with an immigration lawyer with experience in deportation defense immediately. There are various forms of legal relief available to certain qualifying individuals, including, political asylum, cancellation of removal, withholding of removal, adjustment of status, and voluntary departure.
ASYLUM
While certain exceptions exist, it is essential that an individual apply for asylum within the first year of their arrival into the United States. Asylees may obtain employment authorization, and permission to reenter the country after travel abroad (to any country other than the country of persecution). Asylees are eligible to apply for a green card on the one-year anniversary of their grant of asylum.