When does someone in deportation hearings qualify to stay in the United States legally?
This is a very complicated analysis that is best done individually, understanding all the specific facts of a particular person’s case, and including a review of all documents filed or received by a person. For an overview of the more common ways to stay lawfully in the U.S., please read our Mira Loma handout [link], but also know that the following factors MAY help someone stay in the U.S. lawfully: * A family member filed an application requesting lawful permanent residency (a green card) for a person some time in the past; * A person is married to a U.S. citizen, or has a U.S. citizen child who is over 21 years old, and that person entered the United States lawfully; * A person has had a green card for 5+ years; * A person has resided continuously in the United States for 10+ years & has parent, spouse or child who is United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who will suffer hugely, particularly the relative has a serious illness; * A person is afraid of return to her or hi
