Immigration Services
Removal Defense
Representation in Immigration Court, detention matters, appeals, and related proceedings.
Overview
Removal Defense
Removal proceedings are the formal legal process the U.S. government uses to decide whether a noncitizen will be ordered to leave the United States. A case begins when the Department of Homeland Security issues a Notice to Appear (NTA) and files it with the Immigration Court. From that point forward, the case moves through Immigration Court, often over the course of years, with hearings before an Immigration Judge and government attorneys representing DHS.
A removal case is not a criminal proceeding, but the consequences can be just as serious. A final order of removal can separate a person from their family for years and trigger reentry bars of ten or more years. The legal rules are complex, and the relief available depends on a careful reading of the client's specific history.
Anderson Immigration Law Group represents clients at every stage of the removal process: master calendar hearings, individual hearings, bond hearings for detained clients, motions to reopen and reconsider, appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, and petitions for review in the federal circuit courts.
Who This Service Is For
Situations We Commonly Review
- People who have received a Notice to Appear and have a case pending in Immigration Court
- People who have been arrested by ICE or are being held in immigration detention
- Lawful permanent residents charged as removable based on a criminal conviction or another ground
- People who missed an Immigration Court hearing and received an in absentia removal order
- Long-term residents who may qualify for cancellation of removal
- Family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who may qualify for adjustment or a waiver
- Anyone whose contact with ICE, CBP, or USCIS could lead to removal proceedings
Sound like your situation? Request a consultation or call 888-305-0261.
Our Process and What to Expect
A Clearer View of the Process
- 01
Case Review and Charges
We review the client's immigration history, criminal history, family ties, country conditions, and the charges in the Notice to Appear. We obtain relevant court, USCIS, and prior application records so the strategy begins with a complete picture.
- 02
Court Strategy
We identify available relief, prepare pleadings and applications, and guide the client through master calendar and individual hearings. Preparation may include testimony, witnesses, legal briefs, country conditions evidence, and exhibits.
- 03
Relief and Custody Options
Depending on the facts, the strategy may involve cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, waivers, asylum, withholding, Convention Against Torture protection, humanitarian relief, prosecutorial discretion, or termination. For detained clients, we evaluate bond, custody redetermination, and parole options.
- 04
Hearing Preparation
We prepare the client and witnesses for testimony, organize the evidentiary record, and present the legal and factual case before the Immigration Judge.
- 05
Appeals and Next Steps
If the decision is adverse, we evaluate an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals and, where appropriate, a petition for review in federal court. If proceedings are terminated or closed, we address the client's next immigration steps.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Every case is different — these answers are general information, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your case, call 888-305-0261 or request a consultation.
I received a Notice to Appear. What should I do?
A Notice to Appear starts removal proceedings. It lists the factual allegations and charges of removability and will identify, or later provide, the hearing information. Make sure the Immigration Court has your current address and obtain legal review before the first hearing.
What is cancellation of removal?
Cancellation of removal is a form of relief available to certain lawful permanent residents and certain nonpermanent residents. The requirements differ by category and can include residence, physical presence, good moral character, criminal-history limits, and qualifying-family hardship.
How long do removal cases take?
Timing depends on the court, whether the case is detained or nondetained, and the relief involved. Nondetained cases can take years. Detained cases generally move much faster. Appeals add additional time.
Can I be released from immigration detention on bond?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on the detention authority and the person's history. In eligible cases, an Immigration Judge may consider flight risk, danger, and the appropriate bond amount.
What if I missed a court date?
An Immigration Judge may issue an in absentia removal order. A motion to reopen may be possible when notice was not received, exceptional circumstances prevented attendance, or another legal basis applies. Strict procedural rules can apply.
What happens if I lose in Immigration Court?
A Notice of Appeal generally must be filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days of the Immigration Judge's decision. Certain BIA decisions can later be reviewed in federal court.
Can I defend my case if I have a criminal conviction?
Often, yes. The effect of a conviction depends on the statute, record of conviction, immigration status, and applicable case law. Not every conviction creates removability or bars every form of relief.
Can my family affect the options in my case?
Yes. U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident relatives may be relevant to cancellation, adjustment, waivers, and discretionary factors. The full family situation should be reviewed from the beginning.