What Are Removal Proceedings?
Removal proceedings, also known as deportation, is when the U.S. government determines an individual who is not a U.S. citizen must be removed from the United States.
Below is an overview of removal proceedings:
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves the individual with a Notice to Appear (NTA).
- Removal hearings are held before the immigration judge. They decide if the alien’s actions make them removable or if they are eligible for deportation relief.
- Next, comes the initial hearing or master calendar hearing. Do not miss it or an automatic order of removal will be issued, which means you will not be able to return to the U.S. for 10 years.
- Seek out an experienced deportation attorney before your merit hearing so they can work with you in creating a solid strategy against the attorney for DHS.
- Attend the merit hearing, where your case will be represented. The immigration judge will decide if you will be deported or not.
Are you facing deportation or removal? Reach out to an experienced deportation attorney in New York at Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC. Call (212) 969-8570 or contact us online for a free consultation.