Deportation is a legal process in which the United States government removes people who have entered or overstayed their visas. It’s often used to take away unauthorized immigrants from their homes and families, but it can also be applied to foreign nationals who are accused of crimes or other crimes involving moral turpitude.
Deporting someone is a serious decision and often requires the help of an experienced attorney. The process can be very confusing and intimidating, but it’s essential to seek legal advice early on if you suspect you may be facing deportation.
The earliest and most obvious reasons for deportation are violations of immigration laws, or the threat of violating such laws. This is usually the case for people who have entered the United States illegally or overstayed their visas.
Criminals convicted of a crime, those who commit aggravated felonies or others who violate laws related to moral turpitude may face deportation, and it can be a very risky and complicated process. If you are accused of a crime or are in removal proceedings, contact an immigration attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected.
A deportation typically begins with an arrest, and the person can be taken to a facility to await a hearing in a federal court. ICE agents can also make arrests at home and in public places, such as courthouses or schools.
In recent years, there’s been an uptick in ICE’s use of so-called “expedited removals,” which can be completed more quickly than traditional removals. This is a dangerous practice that can result in severe consequences, including the death of individuals, their children, and other family members.
Expedited removals can be a powerful tool for local authorities to use against foreigners who are suspected of being in the country illegally, but they should only be implemented when they have a clear basis to do so and the individuals arrested are within 100 miles of U.S. borders and have been in the country for no more than two weeks.
Deportation can have negative effects on a family’s ability to financially support itself and maintain a safe home. It can cause mental health issues and behavioral disorders for children who are removed from their parents and siblings, and the disruption of a family’s social and community connections can have an emotional impact as well.
The most common reason for deportation is the violation of immigration laws, and this can include things like entering the United States without proper documents or failing to notify the government of a change in address. Other grounds for deportation include committing a crime or becoming a risk to public safety.
If a family is being threatened with removal, it is important to work with an experienced family law attorney as soon as possible. This is especially true if your spouse or child is a US citizen, because they will be affected most by your deportation.
In addition, a local effort is vital to fostering positive social networks and providing a sense of belonging during a time when individuals are fearful of being deported. This includes providing support for mental health and addressing stigma, as well as providing resources that foster healing and collective political action.