The immigration process can be complex. If a person is faced with deportation from the U.S., they may need help to understand the process.
Deportation process information
Every year, the U.S. identifies and removes immigrants that it believes have violated the law. This may include people who overstay their visa, enter the country illegally or who participate in illegal activities.
Deportation usually beings when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issues a notice, requiring the person to attend an immigration hearing. The notice explains why ICE believes they should be deported. At the hearing, the person will be able to present evidence to support why they should be able to stay in the U.S. A judge will review the information and decide whether the person should be removed.
Understanding removal and other options
If the judge issues a final removal order, the person must leave the country on the date stated in the order. However, there may be options to stop the deportation including seeking asylum or adjustment of status.
When a person seeks asylum, it means that they are requesting to stay in the U.S. because they have fears they could be persecuted in their country. This could be on the basis of race, religion or membership in a political group.
The person may also request an adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident. They may qualify based on employment or if they have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen.
There is support available to people who are facing deportation.
