Deportation Defense Lawyer in Houston
Home and family are important, and the thought that either may be taken away can be horribly painful. If you or someone you love is facing deportation, or the threat of deportation, you are likely feeling scared, intimidated, and confused.
While the authorities may tell you otherwise, you have rights, and you are not powerless. However, it's smart to get help. Our deportation defense lawyers in Houston can explain your situation, help you understand your options, and fight to protect you and your family.
Attorney Maria at Mendoza Law has more than 16 years of experience standing up for the rights of immigrants in the United States. Call today for an evaluation of your situation and find out how our immigration lawyers in Houston can help with your deportation case.
What Does a Deportation Defense Lawyer Do?
Our immigration defense attorneys represent people facing removal proceedings in Texas immigration courts. We understand and have experience with the United States laws that dictate your removal process.
Some ways our deportation defense attorneys in Houston may help include:
Explain charges from the Department of Homeland Security
Protect your rights throughout the process
Review facts such as your immigration history and criminal records to identify potential defenses
Prepare legal filings and gather evidence
Represent you at hearings before an immigration judge
Seek relief such as cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, or waivers
Negotiate with government attorneys
File appeals when necessary
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Deportation?
The government can’t deport you for no reason. Understanding the cause of your potential deportation is the first step to finding solutions.
The most common reasons people are deported include:
Criminal Convictions
Certain criminal convictions can result in deportation. These include aggravated felonies, drug offenses, domestic violence, and firearms offenses. Even lawful permanent residents may face deportation if the conviction meets specific immigration law definitions.
Unlawful Presence
Unlawful presence, or presence without authorization, is when an individual enters the United States without proper inspection or remains after their visa has expired. This includes unauthorized entry at the border or overstaying a temporary visa.
Immigration Fraud or Misrepresentation
Immigration fraud involves providing false information or documents to obtain an immigration benefit. Even small misstatements can have serious consequences, including deportation and long-term bans on reentering the United States.
Violation of Immigration Status Conditions
Non-citizens in the United States must follow the rules of their specific visa or status. Violations include working without authorization, failing to attend school on a student visa, or staying beyond the permitted time.
Failure to Appear for Immigration Proceedings
Missing court often eliminates opportunities for relief or defense, and failing to appear for scheduled immigration court hearings can result in an automatic removal order issued in absentia.
What Is the Process When You Get Deported?
The deportation process usually begins when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) serves a Notice to Appear outlining the allegations against you. Your case is then scheduled in an immigration court in Texas.
You must appear before an immigration judge to respond to the charges, either admitting or contesting them, and to apply for any available relief from removal. The court may hold multiple hearings to review evidence and hear testimony.
If the immigration judge issues an order of removal, you generally have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Our team will stand beside you through the process and fight to protect you and your family.
What Rights Do You Have When You Are Being Deported?
You have rights when you are facing deportation, even when you aren’t a U.S. citizen. You have the right to hire an immigration lawyer as per 8 U.S.C. § 1362. You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and to present evidence and witnesses in your defense.
In many cases, you have the right to appeal a negative decision. You also have the right to receive documents in a language you understand or with an interpreter. Our Houston deportation defense lawyers will explain and protect your legal rights.
Get Help From Our Deportation Defense Attorneys in Houston
The threat of deportation has been on the minds of many immigrants in recent years. If you or a family member is facing the real danger of being forcibly removed from the United States, it's easy to feel helpless. However, there are options, and you don’t need to handle it alone.
The government may claim to have the legal high ground in your case, but they don’t always get it right. Whether you came to the United States recently or you’ve been here for decades, our deportation defense attorneys in Houston are here to protect your rights.
Our attorneys at Mendoza Law have more than 100 years of combined legal experience, standing up for those who can’t always speak for themselves. Call for an evaluation of your situation and tell us about your deportation concerns.