Help for Immigrants at Risk of Deportation

Reasons you may face deportation

The good news is, you cannot be deported without a reason, and the reasons must follow the laws set forth by the U.S. government. But the laws governing removal are complicated, and it is possible that you may violate one of the laws without realizing it. The most common reasons immigrants face deportation are:

• Illegal entry. If you have entered the U.S. illegally, you may be deported back to your native country. There are some exceptions to the rule, such as refugees fleeing from a country with Temporary Protected Status, but the majority of people who are caught being in the country illegally will face deportation. You may also be deported if your petition for asylum is denied.
• Criminal activity. If you are convicted of committing a crime, you face removal – even if the crime is a misdemeanor. However, people who are accused of crimes, or cop to a plea bargain of a lesser crime, may also be removed.
• Visa violations. If you are here on a B-2 temporary visa as a tourist and pick up a part-time job, you could face deportation. Visa laws are very specific; violating the terms could be enough to have you removed.
• Public charge. Green card holders and visa holders are eligible for public assistance, but only for a while. If you become a public charge for five years, you may be removed back to your native country.
• Marriage fraud. The rules governing marriage are very, very strict. Fraud is a felony in America, and if your marriage is found to be fraudulent, you could be removed to your home country. Even if your marriage is legal, you can still be deported if you and your spouse did not fill out the proper forms for you to stay in America.

There is a lot of turmoil in the U.S. when it comes to removal, and the effects it has on families. For example: if you come from another country, but your child is born in a Tennessee hospital, that child is a U.S. citizen – but you are not. The federal government can deport you back to your native country but remand custody of your child. In cases as serious as these, you want us Patrick on your side. As Knoxville family immigration lawyers, we understand how imperative it is that immigrant families remain together. We examine your situation, assist children who fall under the guidelines for DACA and the DREAM Act, and help keep families together by defending their rights in immigration courts. We will go to Memphis or Atlanta to represent you before a judge in a hearing for Cancellation of Removal if you are eligible.