What Happens If I’m Threatened With Deportation?
If you’ve been selected for deportation, you still have the legal right to protest the proceedings. If served with deportation papers, known as a “Notice to Appear” you’ll be ordered to appear before an Immigration Judge. Among other things, you’ll be informed of: • The nature of the proceedings. • The alleged violation of the law, • The right to have an attorney. and • Consequences of failing to appear at future scheduled hearings. The Judge will determine if the grounds for deportation are legal and if the alien in question is eligible for relief from removal. If an immigrant is slated for immediate deportation, a stay can be obtained by applying to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If such a stay is requested, and the proper conditions met, the action is considered an emergency and given immediate attention.
