Santa Ana Deportation Defense Lawyer

Deportation and removal proceedings are stressful situations that threaten the life that a non-citizen has built. If you are facing potential deportation, you may lose your home, job, and family. Immigration regulation is strict in Santa Ana and the surrounding communities, and deportation can occur due to criminal activity or a change in visa status. If you are facing removal proceedings, you need a Santa Ana deportation defense lawyer to protect your rights.

The deportation process, if successful, can have a serious impact on your ability to obtain visas in the future, seek citizenship, or even visit the country. Legal defense is necessary to give you the greatest chance of avoiding deportation or being unable to return. If you have received a notice of removal or even believe that you may be facing deportation due to your actions, legal representation is incredibly important.

U.S. Law Center Can Defend You in Santa Ana

At U.S. Law Center, our team of knowledgeable immigration and deportation attorneys is dedicated to protecting the individuals and families in the Santa Ana area. Deportation can be overwhelming and complicated, and we want to help you have the fairest chance in the immigration system. We know how much removal proceedings and deportation can affect your life, your career, and your family.

Our years of experience in both civil and criminal immigration cases give us an intricate understanding of the immigration system. Immigration laws are often changing, and we are always aware of how federal law impacts your case. We use our knowledge to work to efficiently navigate your deportation case in Santa Ana, and our team can help you understand the options available to you.

Understanding Deportation Proceedings

Deportation occurs when the U.S. government removes non-citizens for violating the country’s immigration law. This commonly occurs when a non-citizen fails to renew a visa, when a change in visa status occurs, or when a non-citizen commits a crime. Deportation proceedings occur when a non-citizen argues their case to remain and/or not be deported.

Criminal Activity Deportation

A criminal conviction can result in deportation or the loss of certain immigration benefits, depending on the severity of the crime. A criminal conviction is one of the most common reasons for deportation. If you are facing a criminal charge, it’s essential that you obtain legal counsel as soon as possible before a conviction is reached. When you are facing criminal and deportation proceedings, an attorney offers the greatest chance of avoiding deportation or other severe penalties.

Change in Status Deportation

Many non-citizens live in the country on nonimmigrant work visas or through engagement and marital visas. If your circumstances change, you may no longer be eligible for the visa that you are currently on. If you hold a work visa and you lose your job or get a different job, the work visa likely no longer applies, especially if it was sponsored by the specific employer. Similarly, if you end your engagement or get divorced, your spousal visa no longer applies.

In these situations, you are undocumented. Ideally, you have some warning of these changes, so you should apply for an adjustment of status as quickly as possible. As soon as you know that something may affect your immigration status, it is important to discuss it with an immigration attorney.

How Can a Santa Ana Deportation Defense Attorney Help Me?

When you are facing deportation, it is essential that you work with legal counsel. An attorney understands the complex requirements of immigration law and likely has represented individuals in your situation. They can explain your situation to you and help you find the ideal legal route to avoid or mitigate the consequences of deportation.

Deportation Defense Law FAQs

Can You Win a Deportation Case?

Yes, you can win a deportation hearing, but it is important that you work with a qualified deportation defense attorney. Your attorney can review your situation to build a strong case for why you have strong ties in your community or why deportation would result in hardship for your family or yourself. Your case against deportation will rely on the reason why you are being removed, the life you have created, and the circumstances of your family.

How Do I Get Relief From Deportation?

There are several potential options for those who are facing deportation. Relief from removal and other types of relief can prevent or delay deportation. Voluntary departure results in you returning to your home country by choice, but it also prevents a deportation order from appearing on your record. This can be beneficial if you are able to return to your country safely and want to return to the U.S. in the future.

You may also be able to request a cancellation of the removal if you have lived in the U.S. for an extended period of time. Other forms of relief include adjustment of status, administrative appeal, and applying for asylum.

What Is the Deportation Defense Process?

The process of deportation typically includes a notice of removal or a notice to appear at a hearing. At an initial hearing, the individual is informed of their ability to obtain a lawyer.

There are forms of deportation relief that the individual may be eligible for but if they are not, they are deported if they do not request voluntary departure. If they are eligible, their attorney can begin building a case and then advocate for the individual’s relief at a hearing. The judge on the hearing will decide whether the individual qualifies for relief.

Can You Cancel Deportation?

If you qualify, you may be able to request a cancellation of removal. For permanent residents, you must meet the following qualifications:

• You are a lawful permanent resident for a minimum of 5 years.
• You lived in the U.S. for seven continuous years after lawful admittance.
• You have never been convicted of an aggravated felony.

Just because you qualify for a cancellation of removal does not mean that you will be granted it. There are different requirements for nonpermanent residents and for individuals who are victims of abuse. An attorney can determine if you qualify and if it is the right legal option for your situation.

Protect Your Rights

Work with U.S. Law Center if you have received a notice of removal or have been arrested for criminal charges. Contact our dedicated attorneys to learn how we can help.