You are in removal proceedings. Here is what you can do today.

What is your situation?

• I got a letter from the courtA Notice to Appear (NTA) or a hearing notice. What it means and what deadlines start running.
• A relative is detained by ICEHow to find them, whether bond is possible, and what to do in the first 48 hours.
• I have a court dateHow a hearing works, what the judge will ask, and what happens if you miss it.

The defenses that exist

In immigration court you can ask the judge to let you stay. The most common forms of relief are:

• Cancellation of removal — for people with long presence in the U.S. and qualifying U.S. citizen or resident relatives.
• Defensive asylum, withholding of removal and CAT — if you fear persecution or torture in your home country.
• Adjustment of status — if you have an approved family petition and meet the requirements.
• Voluntary departure — not a way to stay, but it avoids a formal removal order.

Each has strict requirements and deadlines. A licensed attorney can tell you which one fits your case; this site only explains how they work.

Why representation matters

In immigration court the government has a lawyer arguing for your removal. You have the right to counsel, but the government will not pay for it. Research published by the American Immigration Council found that represented people are far more likely to win relief, and the gap is widest for those in detention.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, free and low-cost organizations exist. The court gives you a list at the start of your case, and you can ask for time to find one.

Beware of "notarios"

In the United States a notary public is not a lawyer. People who present themselves as "notarios", "immigration consultants" or "preparers" and charge to handle removal cases have caused thousands of families to be deported. Only a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative can represent you in court. Verify any attorney through your state bar.

Common questions

• Find a detainee
• How long a case takes
• Immigration bond cost
• I missed my hearing
• If ICE comes to your door
• Work permit and asylum

About this site

Deportation Defense Law is an informational resource edited by Hassan Benmouloud. It is not a law firm. The content is built from official sources (EOIR, USCIS, ICE and the Code of Federal Regulations) and reviewed periodically. When you contact us, we pass your case to licensed immigration attorneys.