Montgomery Village, MD Deportation Lawyers

Attorneys for Deportation and Removal Defense in Montgomery Village, Maryland

For immigrants in the United States, the threat of deportation can be frightening, leading to uncertainty about a person's family relationships, employment, and future. Immigrants who have been detained by immigration officials or who are involved in removal proceedings may be unsure about how to handle these complex and intimidating legal matters. A deportation defense lawyer can be a critical ally in these situations, providing the legal help and guidance necessary to challenge removal proceedings.

Deportation—also known as removal—is the process used by the federal government to expel someone from the United States. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including visa overstays, unlawful entry, criminal convictions, or violations of immigration law. When a person receives a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court or is taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the situation may feel overwhelming. However, there are legal defenses and forms of relief that may be available, and with skilled legal representation, a person can fight to remain in the country.

At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our Montgomery Village deportation defense attorneys can evaluate a person's status and the reasons for a possible deportation, provide representation in Immigration Court, and take steps to help immigrants achieve favorable outcomes to these matters. We provide our clients with clear explanations of their rights and legal options while advocating for solutions that will help them and their families avoid hardship.

When a Person May Face Deportation

Removal proceedings generally begin when a person is served with a Notice to Appear (NTA). This document outlines the government's allegations and the legal basis for seeking the person's removal from the United States. In other cases, an immigrant may be detained by ICE, and removal proceedings may be initiated while they are in custody. A person may receive an NTA or face detention if:

• They entered the United States without inspection or authorization.
• They overstayed a visa or violated the terms of a visa.
• They committed certain crimes, such as fraud, drug offenses, or aggravated felonies.
• They were found inadmissible during an immigration interview or after submitting an application for a visa or Green Card.
• They were arrested by ICE during a raid, traffic stop, or at a courthouse.

Immigrants who have been detained may be eligible for release on bond, which will allow them to continue living with their families and maintain employment while they defend against deportation. Our attorneys can help immigrants determine whether immigration bonds may be available, and we can provide representation throughout a deportation case.

Legal Options for Relief From Removal

Immigration law provides multiple pathways that may allow someone to avoid deportation and remain in the country legally. Our Montgomery Village removal defense attorneys help clients determine what appropriate options may be available, including:

Adjustment of Status

If a person becomes eligible for a Green Card while they are in removal proceedings, they may request an adjustment of status through the Immigration Court. An adjustment of status may be possible if:

• The applicant is married to a U.S. citizen or has another immediate relative who is eligible to sponsor them.
• The applicant entered the U.S. legally or qualifies for certain waivers of inadmissibility due to unlawful presence.
• There are no bars that would prevent them from receiving an adjustment of status, such as certain criminal convictions.

Cancellation of Removal

Discretionary relief may be available to certain non-citizens, depending on their immigration status and the facts of their case. There are two primary categories of immigrants who may be eligible for cancellation of removal:

• Lawful Permanent Residents: A Green Card holder may apply for cancellation if they have lived in the U.S. for at least seven years, held lawful permanent resident status for five years, and do not have any felony convictions.
• Non-Permanent Residents: An undocumented person may apply if they have been in the U.S. for 10 years or more, have maintained good moral character, and can show that their removal would cause extreme hardship for an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Asylum

If a person fears persecution in their home country, they may apply for asylum. This form of humanitarian relief requires the applicant to prove they would face danger due to factors such as race, religion, or political opinions. Asylum applications must usually be filed within one year after entering the U.S., though exceptions may apply in some cases. Our attorneys can help compile evidence and represent immigrants during asylum interviews or hearings.

Our Montgomery Village Deportation Defense Attorneys Are Here to Help

When addressing issues related to a possible removal from the United States, it is crucial to have a legal advocate on your side. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we provide strong, compassionate representation in these cases, and we will work tirelessly to help you stay in the country and avoid issues that could cause hardship for you and your family. Contact our office by calling 571-441-2233 to schedule a consultation and begin building a defense against deportation.