Deportation proceedings can happen unexpectedly. Noncitizens who have resided in the United States for many years can find themselves detained and in the process of being removed before they have had the opportunity to present a defense to their removal.
Who Can Be Deported or Removed?
Any noncitizen who does not have a valid legal status or who violates their status is at risk for deportation (called removal proceedings). Noncitizens in the United States may become the target of removal proceedings if they:
- Are detained or arrested by non-immigration law enforcement agents
- Have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor crime
- Overstay their temporary visas (for employment, tourism, or education)
- Are involved in an ICE raid
Within 48 hours of the arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must decide whether to detain a person or release her on bond. When noncitizens are in ICE custody they are transferred to a designated regional location (typically Stewart Detention Center for Charlotte and York, Pennsylvania for Pittsburgh). This can be scary and stressful, because it can be difficult to contact your detained family member or to get information from government officials.
When Attorney Lively is contacted right away she is able to determine whether your family member is eligible for a bond and submit a bond petition and request for a hearing in front of an immigration judge.
If you have been released from custody or were never detained and have been served a Notice to Appear (NTA) and need representation before the Charlotte Immigration Court or the Pittsburgh Immigration Court it is best to engage Lively Law Firm as soon as possible to allow Attorney Ashley E. Lively with as much time as possible to analyze your case and prepare a deportation defense on your behalf. Some of the options that may be available to you are:
- Applications for Permanent Residency/Adjustment of Status
- Form I-751, Removal of Conditions
- Criminal Waivers
- Non Criminal waivers
- Application for Asylum, Withholding of Removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture
- Voluntary Departure
Attorney Ashley Lively is dedicated to passionately defending you in your deportation proceedings. An experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can be your last line of defense in Immigration Court. Call Lively Law Firm for your free consultation today.