Law Library Articles

Top 10 Deportation Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library

Like all other modern immigration laws, America’s removal and deportation laws can be incredibly difficult to navigate. This is because there are laws governing every conceivable aspect of deportation. They can cover anything from the proper ways that government officials can locate immigrants that qualify for deportation, to the kinds of forms that need to be filled out for legal re-entry into the country after deportation.

The articles in this Top 10 list serve as a basic guide to U.S. immigrant laws related to deportation and removal.

1. Illegal Reentry After Deportation

Reentry laws broadly punish an alien’s attempt to return to the U.S. after removal. Violating these laws can trigger harsh criminal penalties, including hefty fines and prison time. Read on to learn the conditions under which you can legally re-enter the country following a deportation, as well as possible defenses.

2. Appealing a Removal or Deportation Order

If an immigration judge issues a removal or deportation order, you may still be able to fight it, depending on the grounds for removal. This article explains how to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals, the filing deadlines, and what to expect if you need to escalate your case to a federal appellate court.

3. Inadmissibility Lawyers

Even if you have a visa, you can be found “inadmissible” at a U.S. port of entry for reasons like criminal history, health conditions, or lack of proper documentation. Inadmissibility can prevent you from ever entering the country and may require legal steps to overcome. Learn about waivers, appeals, and how an attorney can help with a denied entry.

4. Reinstatement of Orders in a Removal Hearing

If you return to the U.S. after a previous deportation, immigration officials can reactivate the earlier removal order under certain conditions. This article discusses the DHS procedures for reinstatement, common defenses, and why you don’t typically get a new hearing before a judge once your prior deportation order is revived.

5. Unlawful Presence as Grounds for Removal

Staying in the U.S. past your authorized visa duration (or entering the country illegally) counts as unlawful presence and can lead to removal. The amount of time spent unlawfully can also trigger bans on re-entry for multiple years. Find out about relevant exceptions and waivers, including the 3/10 year bar rule.

6. Felony Charges and Immigration Status

A felony conviction (even for a first offense) can jeopardize your stay in the U.S. and lead to deportation. This piece explores how criminal cases intersect with immigration proceedings, plus how aggravating factors and criminal history can bolster grounds for removal. It also examines possible legal defenses to save your immigration status.

7. Immigration Crimes of Moral Turpitude

“Crimes of moral turpitude” can render non-citizens deportable or ineligible for green cards and other benefits. While murder, fraud, and theft are often cited, not every illegal act meets this moral threshold. This overview clarifies how immigration authorities evaluate such crimes and the potential immigration penalties.

8. Relief from Deportation or Removal

Facing deportation isn’t always the end of the road. Several forms of relief, like asylum, cancellation of removal, and adjustment of status, may allow you to remain in the U.S. This article details the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and the circumstances where relief can be either discretionary or mandatory.

9. What Are Removal Proceedings?

Removal proceedings are the formal legal steps the government takes to expel non-citizens. The process typically begins with a Notice to Appear, then continues with hearings before an immigration judge. Learn the basics of these proceedings, possible defenses, and why timely legal help can be critical to a successful case outcome.

10. Immigration Hold Attorneys

An “immigration hold” can keep you in detention even after posting criminal bail or concluding your jail term. This article explains how these holds work, issues with overcrowded ICE facilities, and why hiring a lawyer may help get you released or transferred into more humane alternatives to detention.

Need Further Help?

Because U.S. deportation and removal laws remain complex and can change, it’s important to seek legal guidance early. An experienced deportation lawyer can advise on your rights, represent you at hearings, and explore options for relief. Use LegalMatch to find a qualified immigration attorney near you and protect your right to stay in the United States.