Received a Notice to Appear? Deportation is a serious threat

Even if you know someone who the authorities deported from the U.S., it is easy to assume it will never happen to you or your family. However, believing you are somehow immune could be a big mistake. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) statistics, their officers deported 267,000 non-U.S. citizens during 2019. Deportation often starts with a Notice to Appear.

Why you should take a Notice to Appear seriously

If the bills are piling up on your doormat, a Notice to Appear may seem like one more bit of bad news that you cannot face right now. However, ignoring it would be a big mistake. The immigration authorities issue a Notice to Appear when they want to try and deport you. Failing to show up in court is sacrificing the chance to defend yourself.

Can you argue against a Notice to Appear?

If you face the threat of deportation, the worst thing you can do is assume it is a given. That makes ICE’s job easy. There is always a chance that you can successfully fight the decision and retain your right to stay in the country. These are some of the ways to challenge any attempt to deport you:

Seek asylum
Change or renew your status
Get the removal order canceled
Ask the court to suppress the evidence

Immigration laws are complex, and you are unlikely to be able to challenge the authorities alone. ICE has become increasingly aggressive in seeking to remove people from the country over the last few years. You need an attorney who will be equally aggressive at defending your right to stay in the country.