Deportation Defense

If you or a loved one has received a Notice to Appear (NTA) from immigration authorities, or has been detained by ICE, immediate legal action is essential.

Removal Defense

Menu

Send us a message for inquiries

[contact-form-7 id=”17159d8″ title=”Service Form”]

Protecting Your Right to Remain in the U.S.

Removal proceedings follow strict court deadlines, and missing a hearing or filing date can result in an in absentia removal order that is extremely difficult to reverse. Contact GBLawFirm as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore every available legal option.

What Happens in Removal Proceedings?

Removal proceedings take place in Immigration Court before an Immigration Judge. Proceedings typically begin with a master calendar hearing at which basic case information is established and scheduling decisions are made. One or more individual hearings follow, at which the merits of the case are contested. Both the individual and the government (represented by a DHS trial attorney) may present evidence, call witnesses, and make legal arguments. The Immigration Judge issues a decision, which can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and, in some cases, to a federal Court of Appeals.

Forms of Relief We Pursue

Adjustment of Status

Individuals who are eligible for a green card through a family or employment relationship — and who are otherwise admissible — may be able to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence in removal proceedings, terminating the removal case.

Cancellation of Removal

For lawful permanent residents who have been continuously resident in the United States for at least five years, have at least seven years of continuous residence, and have not been convicted of an aggravated felony — removal can potentially be cancelled. For non-LPRs, cancellation requires ten years of continuous physical presence, good moral character, and a showing that removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child.

Waivers of Inadmissibility

Certain grounds of deportability or inadmissibility may be waived. The 212(c) waiver is available to LPRs convicted of certain crimes prior to 1996 under the old law. The 212(h) waiver may be available to individuals inadmissible due to certain criminal convictions. Our attorneys assess waiver eligibility and prepare detailed applications demonstrating the factors in favour of a favourable exercise of discretion.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

For minors in removal proceedings who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, SIJS may provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence through state court juvenile proceedings combined with a federal SIJS petition.

Voluntary Departure

Where other relief is not available or is unlikely to succeed, voluntary departure — leaving the United States voluntarily within a set period — may preserve the ability to apply for immigration benefits in the future, whereas an order of removal carries bars on re-entry of 10 years or more.

Acting Quickly Is Essential

Removal proceedings have strict deadlines. Our attorneys can help at any stage — whether before an NTA is filed, at the beginning of proceedings, or at appeal. The earlier you reach us, the more options we have available. Please do not wait.