Top 5 Ways People Get Placed into Immigration Removal Proceedings

Lately, there is a lot of concern, fear, and stress experienced by persons who are not United States citizens who are presently here illegally or without status.  Politics, economics, news events, fear, and public opinion all shape the perceptions that fuel the actions of the government in the approach the government takes with immigration issues..  There are a large number of people who live in the shadows based upon our current political environment.

1.   Arrest for criminal allegation – law enforcement will sometimes let ICE know if it has arrested a person who is not a citizen.  More and more law enforcement agencies have computer systems that link directly with with ICE.  Many States have taken away the ability of immigrants without legal status from obtaining drivers licenses, which sometimes results in arrests for petty offenses such as driving on a suspended license or driving without a license.

2.  Conviction for criminal allegation – the probation department for the sentencing Court and the Department of Corrections will often advise ICE of an alien in custody for a criminal conviction.

3.  Unsuccessful application for immigration benefit – Sometimes an application for a immigration benefit, such as adjustment of status or an application for naturalization, can alert USCIS of criminal convictions or other information from which removal proceedings are initiated.  It is always advisible to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, such as the lawyers at  Hilf & Hilf, PLC, whenever an attempt is made to adjust immigration status – especially if the alien has prior contacts with law enforcement.

4.  Workplace raid – It is not uncommon for the goverment to raid different employers suspected of hiring large numbers of illegal aliens.  Aliens that are in the country legally, but who work without authorization, are alse subject to removal proceedings.

5.  Arrest of alien at or near the US border point just after entering – aliens who cross the border without inspection, or who are smuggled into the United States, are always subject to removal proceedings if discovered.

Just because an individual is detained does not necessarily mean that he or she will be removed.  The first step is to meet with an experienced immigration lawyer.  The experienced immigration lawyer will try and determine if a bond can be obtained, and if there are any reliefs available to potentially delay or cancel removal.  Even though a person is detained and not a citizen, he or she has the right to retain a lawyer to defend their interests and to pursue any type of immigration relief that is available.  The individual even has the ability in many cases to appeal a decision by an immigration judge that he or she does not agree with.

If detention occurs, or for any immigration related matter, the smart decision is to hire experienced legal representation such as the lawyer at Hilf & Hilf, PLC.  The lawyers at Hilf & Hilf, PLC have vast experience inside and outside of the immigration courtroom to help you or a loved one with any immigration related issue.