In the United States, deportation is a process of removing noncitizens from the country, usually to their place of origin. Deportation is often associated with criminal convictions, but can also be based on a variety of other grounds including inadmissibility and violations of immigration law. Deportation can have significant impacts on families and communities, including economic and psychological stress. Deportation also impacts children and can impede the ability of parents to care for them.
The impact of deportation can be long-lasting, affecting the lives of family members, friends and neighbors for generations. In addition, research shows that the removal of one family member can have ripple effects across a community, creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust that can lead to strained relationships and social disengagement (Ginwright, 2021).
Deportation has been practiced throughout history. In ancient times, it was used as a punishment for crimes of a moral character, such as adultery, poisoning, theft or dishonesty. It was also used to punish political offenders and to remove people who were considered to be a danger to the state or public safety. In modern times, the United States has used deportation to expel many thousands of people.
Deported people are sent back to their country of origin, often to places that are unable to absorb them or have difficulty providing basic services. While many governments accept returnees, others do not, sometimes for reasons that are political or economic. In recent years, deportations have increased, and the Trump administration has broadened their targets to include more undocumented individuals with no serious criminal records.
Typically, a person who is placed into deportation proceedings will have one or more hearings before an immigration judge. The timing of the hearings can depend on a variety of factors including whether the individual is detained, how long it takes for USCIS to process an application for cancellation of removal and how many immigration judges are available.
If a judge orders that you be deported, there are several ways to challenge the decision. For example, you may be able to request that an appeals court review the case. Your lawyer can help you file an appeal and explain the options available to you.
If you are a person in deportation proceedings, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your options, plan a strategy and protect your rights. In most cases, it is not feasible to cancel or prevent deportation, but an attorney can help you find a way to stay in the country with your loved ones.