Deportation is a frightening prospect for many immigrants in the United States. The process of being deported can be complex and intimidating, making it difficult to know where to begin. Here’s what to know about the deportation process, advice on how to prepare, and strategies for increasing your chances of success. 

Understanding Deportation

Deportation is a legal process by which the U.S. government may remove an immigrant or foreign national from the country. This process is voluntary and usually involves unwilling people being torn from their families to be sent away, sometimes to countries they’ve never even been to. 

There are several grounds on which someone can be deported, such as being involved in a crime, illegally immigrating to the U.S., engaging in terrorist behavior against the U.S., being inadmissible for legal immigration due to various reasons, lying on an immigration application, or otherwise violating applicable laws. 

How To Prepare For Your Deportation Hearing 

If you are at risk of deportation, it’s important that you understand you have certain constitutional protections under the Fifth Amendment, which guarantee that you will be afforded due process before being deported from the United States. 

Start by gathering all the necessary documents related to your case and make copies of them, along with your passport and other identification documents, including your birth certificate and Social Security card if you have one. You should also put together any documentation that proves you are eligible for relief from removal, like evidence of U.S. citizenship or proof that you have been in the country for more than five years.

Finding a Qualified Texas Immigration Lawyer 

Navigating deportation proceedings on your own is going to be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, especially when language barriers are an issue. You need the advocacy of a qualified Texas immigration attorney who can help you understand your rights under the law and ensure your case moves smoothly through the courts.

If you or someone you love is facing deportation proceedings, take action today by seeking out experienced legal help as soon as possible. Veteran immigration attorney Eluid Zavala can help you get the information you need to make informed decisions about how best to protect yourself and prepare for your deportation hearing. 

Call now for a consultation to discuss your case in more detail by dialing (713) 766-6720 (Houston) or (713) 588-2132 (Greenspoint Park).