Deportation

Understanding Your Notice to Appear (NTA)

Your NTA is drafted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is simultaneously served to both you and an immigration court. The document will lay out the reasons for the removal proceedings and should be reviewed carefully.

An initial hearing in immigration court will be scheduled. Appearing at your hearing is essential, as a failure to appear will forfeit any opportunity for deportation relief, and you will be removed immediately.

Comprehensive Deportation Defense Services in Sherman Oaks

A noncitizen can be subject to removal proceedings, initiated by an NTA, for numerous reasons. These include unlawful entry into the country, violating some condition of your nonimmigrant visa, overstaying a visa, or being convicted of certain types of crimes.

No matter how cut and dry you fear your case might be, there is likely an opportunity to fight against deportation with the help of an experienced deportation defense attorney near you.

Understanding Your Notice to Appear (NTA)

Your NTA is drafted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is simultaneously served to both you and an immigration court. The document will lay out the reasons for the removal proceedings and should be reviewed carefully.

An initial hearing in immigration court will be scheduled. Appearing at your hearing is essential, as a failure to appear will forfeit any opportunity for deportation relief, and you will be removed immediately.

Exploring Your Legal Options After Receiving an NTA

You will be given time to hire legal representation if you have not already done so, after which an immigration judge will request you verify the substance of your NTA. It is possible USCIS has made some form of mistake, in which case we can argue contents of the NTA (and consequently the removal proceedings themselves) are in some way invalid.

Once the contents of the NTA are established in court, you (and your legal representation) can file for various forms of deportation relief, which we will discuss more below. A subsequent hearing will be scheduled to address the relief being sought. In many cases, an individual hearing will be held, in which witnesses can offer testimony regarding the individual’s case and we can argue openly in court on your behalf.

We can coach you on any testimony you may need to offer to defend yourself. Should the judge rule against you and recommend deportation, you will have 30 days to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and there are additional appeal options in certain situations.

Utilizing deportation relief mechanisms and filing appeals can be complex, labyrinthine processes involving a heavy amount of documentation and knowledge of the immigration system. Mistakes can be costly and can even derail any odds of success.

While it is possible to represent yourself in immigration court and fill out all of the relevant paperwork, our Sherman Oaks deportation defense attorney can leverage their knowledge and experience to better your odds of a positive outcome.

Advantages to Consular Processing

Some clients come to us unsure of why they should consider consular processing over adjustment of status. Often the best strategy comes down to your individual circumstances and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but there are a number of clear advantages to consular processing. Our Sherman Oaks consular processing attorney can assess your situation and explain how the process might impact you in your specific circumstances.

Benefits to pursuing a green card through consular processing include:.

Lower application fees. In many situations, filing fees for adjustment of status applicants more than double those of consular processing applicants.

Lower wait times on average. Consular processing is generally more efficient than adjustment of status. Processing times for AOS applications often exceed a year or more, while consular processing typically only takes 5-13 months total.

Reduced odds of disruption. AOS applicants must currently reside in the United States and in most situations face significant restrictions on their ability to work and move in and out of the country. If an AOS application is rejected, any life the applicant has built in the United States will likely have to be heavily adjusted or abandoned. By applying through consular processing, you can continue to live and work in your home country while you wait for a decision without direct, related interruption.

Local Deportation Defense Support for Sherman Oaks Residents

In Sherman Oaks, the threat of deportation can feel overwhelming, especially for families who have built their lives in this vibrant community. Local resources, such as the City of Los Angeles and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provide essential information and support for individuals facing removal proceedings. However, navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, and many residents find themselves unsure of where to turn for help.

Common pain points for Sherman Oaks residents include the fear of separation from family members, the uncertainty of legal processes, and the potential for financial strain due to legal fees. Many individuals may not be aware of the various forms of relief available, such as cancellation of removal or adjustment of status, which can be critical in fighting deportation. Our team at Zadykyan Law understands these challenges and is dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable support tailored to the unique needs of our local community.

We recognize that each case is different, and the stakes are high. Whether you are facing an NTA due to a visa overstay or other immigration issues, we are here to help you explore your options and advocate for your rights. With our deep understanding of the local landscape and the specific concerns of Sherman Oaks residents, we are committed to guiding you through this difficult time with the care and attention you deserve.

Deportation Relief Options We Can Help You Explore

Some of the deportation relief measures our Sherman Oaks deportation defense lawyer can help you pursue include:

Cancellation of Removal. Lawful permanent residents and noncitizens can receive this form of discretionary relief if they meet certain conditions. Candidates will need to have resided in the country for a number of years, not committed an aggravated felony, and demonstrate good moral character. Noncitizens will also have to demonstrate their removal would constitute “extreme hardship” for a family member remaining in the country.

Adjustment of Status. In some cases, especially those in which your valid nonimmigrant visa is expiring, the best way to avoid deportation is to apply for an adjustment of status so long as you are eligible. You may be eligible for an immigrant visa through a sponsoring employer or family member.

U-Visas. This special type of visa can be issued to victims of domestic violence. It freezes deportation proceedings and permits the beneficiary to work with law enforcement in addressing the crimes involved. In many cases, it can lead to a green card being issued through family-based immigration.

Asylum. In some situations, you can receive asylum status or similar protections that preclude you from deportation, so long as you can establish a well-founded fear of persecution on specific, protected grounds in your home country.

Voluntary Departure. While a last resort, voluntary departure can be negotiated to allow you to leave the country on your own terms, without the legal and practical consequences of a formal deportation. This can offer you some flexibility to reenter the country in the future.

Administrative Appeals. If your initial ruling is unfavorable, we can take steps to pursue a timely review with the Board of Immigration Appeals. There may be additional means of appealing depending on the circumstances of the case.