New Bern Deportation Defense Attorneys

Keeping Families Together Through Deportation Defense

Are you facing removal proceedings? Every year, thousands of families are impacted by the devastating effects of deportation. The threat of deportation from the United States can be extremely overwhelming and you might be wondering how to proceed.

If you are facing possible deportation, it is vital that you get an immigration attorney involved in your deportation defense right away. At The E.A. Wood Law Firm, we are passionate about keeping families together. Our deportation defense attorneys in New Bern can assess your situation, explain your options, and help you choose the right path forward.

Do not hesitate to contact us online or at (800) 611-0821. Our deportation law firm provides clients in Craven County and throughout the country with dedicated deportation defense.

What Are Common Grounds For Deportation From The United States?

Day in and day out, upstanding people are served with removal proceedings that threaten the lives they have worked hard to build in the U.S.

Conviction of a Criminal Offense

Certain crimes can result in deportation. A full list of such crimes is maintained on § 237(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Some examples of deportable crimes include:

• Document fraud
• Firearms trafficking
• Terrorism
• Aggravated felonies, such as murder or sexual assault

Unlawful Entry into the U.S.

Entering the U.S. illegally is a deportable crime, and such a crime can also affect that immigrant's later application for a green card or other benefits.

Illegal entry into the U.S. can be committed through:

• Entering at any time or place other than one designated by immigration officers, such as a border inspection point
• Evading inspection by immigration officers at a designated point of entry
• Entering through willful misrepresentation or concealment of facts, such as falsifying a marriage

Disobeying the Terms of a Visa

Every visa has specific conditions allowing the visa holder to maintain their immigrant or non-immigrant status. Commonly, non-immigrants can violate these terms by overstaying their visa. Overstaying a visa or otherwise violating the terms of that visa is a deportable offense.

Working Without a Permit

Immigrants and non-immigrants are required to obtain specific permits and work visas in order to work in the United States. An alien on a tourist visa, for example, is prohibited from working while in the country.

Obtaining Public Assistance as a Status Violation

Green card applicants must prove they will not need to rely on any need-based public assistance to be admissible to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. If within five-years of entry to the country a green card holder becomes a "public charge," that green card holder may be deportable.

Possible Defenses Against Deportation from the US

Finding out that you face deportation can be devastating – you probably have a lot of questions, fears, and concerns. Remember that the quality of the legal representation you retain can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.

Why Choose Our Deportation Defense Lawyer?

When handling a deportation case, our New Bern deportation defense attorneys take the time to thoroughly investigate your situation and to get to know you personally. This allows us to better tailor our representation to your unique case and to build an effective defense strategy.

We may be able to help you avoid deportation by:

• Filing an appeal for deportation
• Seeking cancellation of the removal order
• Requesting asylum

Depending on the circumstances of your situation, one of these avenues might be better suited for your deportation defense than another. With the help of our deportation defense attorney, you can find peace of mind knowing that you are heading down the right path. We are ready to fight for your family. To see why clients choose our New Bern immigration law firm when they are looking for a deportation lawyer, visit our immigration lawyer reviews.

Is Deportation Permanent?

Typically, reentry to the U.S. is possible after deportation to your home country, but a waiting period is necessary. The duration of this wait varies, contingent on the grounds of your deportation. Notably, severe criminal convictions lead to longer waits compared to minor infractions.

Following deportation, the U.S. government enforces bans on reentry lasting five, ten, or 20 years, and in some cases, permanently. Typically, a 10-year prohibition applies to most deportees, though the duration hinges on individual circumstances.

Five-Year Ban

• For those swiftly removed or deported at a U.S. border or entry point due to inadmissibility.
• For individuals subjected to deportation upon initial U.S. arrival through removal proceedings.
• You exited immigration court prematurely or without valid cause during proceedings.

Ten-Year Ban

• If your deportation followed a hearing before an Immigration Judge, regardless of your presence at the proceedings.

Twenty-Year Ban

• If you were deported earlier and attempted unlawful reentry before your original ten-year inadmissibility term elapsed.

Permanent Ban

• For aggravated felony convictions.
• After illegal reentry post-deportation.

Can A Lawful Permanent Resident Be Deported?

Individuals holding nonimmigrant visas or green cards possess rights for long-term living and working in the U.S. However, any non-citizen is subject to potential removal. There are many situations when a green card holder may be deported -- not following specific regulations may result in deportation.

Below are some reasons a lawful permanent resident may get deported:

• If deemed inadmissible upon entry or status adjustment due to violating visa, green card, or other status terms (exception for green card holders absent for less than 180 days unless certain crimes committed).
• If conditional permanent resident status (for select spouses, children of U.S. citizens, investors/entrepreneurs) is terminated.
• If knowingly assisted another alien's attempted U.S. entry within 5 years of U.S. entry.
• If engaged in marriage fraud.
• If convicted of moral turpitude crime within 5 years of U.S. entry (10 years if green card received as criminal informant), punishable by an at least 1-year sentence.
• If convicted of at least 2 moral turpitude crimes anytime after U.S. entry, not from same misconduct scheme.
• If convicted of aggravated felony after U.S. entry.
• If convicted of high-speed flight from immigration checkpoint.
• If fails to register as sex offender.

Deportation matters require urgent action from a qualified deportation defense lawyer. Call the E.A. Wood Law Firm at (800) 611-0821 to get started on your case.

Deportation FAQs

What are mass deportations?

Mass deportations refer to large-scale efforts by government authorities to remove significant numbers of individuals, often focusing on specific communities or groups. These actions typically involve expedited procedures and require quick legal intervention to protect affected individuals.

Who can be targeted in mass deportations?

Individuals without proper immigration documentation, those with expired visas, or individuals with certain criminal convictions are common targets of mass deportation efforts. However, even lawful residents may face scrutiny under specific circumstances.

What legal defenses are available against deportation?

Defenses depend on individual circumstances but may include asylum applications for individuals fearing persecution in their home country, cancellation of removal for those meeting certain residency and hardship criteria, adjustment of status for eligible individuals seeking lawful permanent residency, and temporary protected status (TPS) for people from countries affected by ongoing conflict or natural disasters.

What rights do individuals have during mass deportation operations?

Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has certain rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and protection against unlawful search and seizure. Knowing these rights is crucial during interactions with immigration enforcement officers.

How can I protect myself or my family from deportation?

To protect yourself, stay informed about your legal status, keep copies of important immigration documents readily available, and consult with an immigration attorney to explore options like deferred action or filing for relief.

How does E. A. Wood Law Firm help with deportation defense?

Our firm provides comprehensive legal support, including evaluating eligibility for relief or exemptions, preparing and filing necessary documentation, representing clients in immigration court, and offering guidance to families affected by detention or removal proceedings.

Can I appeal a deportation order?

Yes, you can appeal a deportation order to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or, in some cases, federal court. Timing is critical, so it’s essential to act quickly and consult an experienced attorney.

How does mass deportation affect families?

Mass deportations can lead to family separations, financial hardships, and emotional distress. Legal assistance is critical to help mitigate these impacts and explore reunification options where possible.

How do I get started with E. A. Wood Law Firm?

Contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and work tirelessly to protect your rights and keep your family together.