For the many Michigan residents who have not yet achieved U.S. citizenship, there is always a fear that they may be forced to leave the country. These individuals can be removed for a number of reasons. Here are a few things they need to know about deportation.
First, why might a person be deported? As previously stated, there are many reasons why immigrants are removed from the United States. A few of those reasons include:
- Convicted of a crime — particularly a violent crime
- Violated condition of entry
- Aided others in entering the country illegally
- Participated in marriage fraud
- Provided falsified documents to the government
Second, how does the deportation process work? Anyone facing removal will either receive a Notice to Appear from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement department or be picked up by ICE agents and then provided an Notice to Appear. The NTA will provide basic information about the person subject to deportation and the reason for removal. After receiving the NTA, one will:
- Attend a deportation hearing
- Verify NTA contents
- Testify
- Apply for deportation relief — if appropriate
An order of deportation may come in person at the end of the removal hearing, or it may come in written form within a few weeks of the conclusion of the hearing. If ordered to leave the country, one has 30 days to file an appeal. If the appeal does not go one’s way, it may be possible to take the petition to a higher court for consideration.
Residents of Michigan who are facing possible deportation may feel that there is little they can do to help their situations. The truth is, there are ways to fight removal, and this is a fight that one does not have to engage in alone. An experienced immigration attorney can be at one’s side during deportation and, if necessary, appeals proceedings in order to help one fight for the best outcome possible.
