Facing deportation could be one of the most frightening things you will ever go through. You may be worried about being separated from your family, losing your job, or being forced to leave the life you have built in the United States. It can feel like you have no option but to comply.
Receiving a deportation notice does not have to be the end of your story. You have rights, no matter your immigration status. Our deportation defense lawyers in Tempe may be able to help you protect your ability to stay in the country you love.
Our team at Mendoza Law has more than 100 years of combined legal experience advocating for the rights of Arizona immigrants. Call us today for a free case evaluation and find out how our immigration lawyers in Tempe can help.
How Deportation Works
When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issues a Notice to Appear, it starts the deportation process. Your notice creates a case in immigration court, and you will be required to appear before an immigration judge, who will decide whether you can remain in the country.
If you have received this notice, contact our deportation defense attorneys in Tempe today. The process can move quickly, and it is easy to make a mistake. Missing one court date can result in an automatic removal order.
You can fight a deportation case. When you get legal representation from the start, it gives you the best chance of presenting a successful defense.
Common Reasons People Face Deportation
Sometimes, people who have lived and worked in the United States for many years suddenly get a notice for deportation.
Some of the things that may trigger a Notice to Appear include:
- Entering the United States without authorization
- Overstaying a visa beyond its expiration date
- Receiving a criminal conviction, including certain misdemeanors
- Violating the terms of a visa or immigration status
- Fraud or misrepresentation on an immigration application
- Being flagged during a routine immigration check or benefit application
- Having a prior removal order on record
Arizona has seen increased immigration enforcement activity in recent years. Do not ignore your notice. Failing to respond or missing a court date can result in an automatic removal order issued against you, even if you had a strong case.
What to Do if You Receive a Deportation Notice
Getting a Notice to Appear in the mail can feel overwhelming. The document is filled with legal language, and it may not be obvious what you are supposed to do next.
Consider the following steps to protect your rights:
- Read your notice carefully. It will include your court date, the charges against you, and the immigration court where your case will be heard. Write down all of those details.
- Contact our immigration attorneys as soon as possible. The earlier you get legal help, the more options you are likely to have. Waiting too long can close doors that might otherwise be open.
- Do not miss your court date. If you fail to appear, the judge can order your removal in your absence. That order is very difficult to undo.
- Gather your immigration documents. Collect any visas, green cards, work permits, approval notices, or other paperwork related to your immigration history and keep them in one place.
- Write down your immigration history. Make a list of every time you entered or left the United States, any applications you have filed, and any interactions you have had with immigration authorities.
- Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than an attorney. Anything you say to ICE officers or government officials can be used against you in court.
The notice does not mean your case is already decided. It means the process has started, and you still have the opportunity to respond and defend yourself. With the help of an attorney, there may be a way to get out of deportation.
How Our Legal Team May Help
Going into immigration court without legal help puts you at a serious disadvantage. Judges follow strict procedures, and missing a filing deadline or submitting the wrong form can result in your case being decided against you.
While working with an attorney does not guarantee a specific outcome, some of the things our Tempe deportation defense lawyers can do to help include:
- Review your full immigration history to identify any relief options you may not know about
- Prepare and file all required documents on time and in the correct format
- Represent you in immigration court and respond to arguments made by the government
- Communicate with ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf
- Advise you on how past criminal convictions or prior immigration violations may affect your case
Get Support From Our Deportation Defense Attorneys in Tempe
You may have lived in Arizona for years and built a life in a country you have come to love. Receiving a deportation notice can be a shocking and confusing experience. The pressure to respond quickly makes everything harder.
Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights. At Mendoza Law, we work with clients who are in exactly your situation. Our deportation defense attorneys in Tempe can review your case, explain your options honestly, and fight for your right to stay in the United States.
Mendoza Law has served over 100,000 clients, many facing complex immigration challenges. Contact us today for a free consultation. Don’t give up on the fight! Our team is ready to go to work for you.