CNN is reporting that the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review has begun sending immigration attorneys orders with a 6 week filing deadline. The new orders sent to attorneys request that their clients file applications requesting relief from deportation within five to six weeks. If the deadline is not met, a judge could issue a removal order, meaning they’d be subject to deportation at any time. Typically, deportation deadlines are given during court hearings and the Justice Department deadlines are often months before the applicant’s next court date.
Chicago immigration attorney Mario Godoy said,
“Deportation defenses take time to put together correctly. During the pandemic it is even harder to get the documents and information needed to file a proper application. This is another attempt by the Trump administration to subvert an immigrant fair day in court. As immigrant’ go through the backlogged immigration court system it is critical to protect an applicant’s rights to legally stay in the United States.”
Due to the COVID global pandemic, the U.S. immigration court system which is operated by the Justice Department was partially shut down, resulting in the postponement of many immigration hearings and increasing the court backlog. in 2020, the court case backlog grew to around 1.2 million, up 11% from the start of March 2020.
It’s important to consult an immigration deportation defense lawyer as soon as possible about your deportation. If you are detained by ICE a deportation defense attorney can determine if you are eligible for an immigration bond. Your immigration attorney can represent you throughout the deportation process or removal proceedings.
Someone who is faced with removal proceedings may have several deportation defense options for their deportation defense lawyer to fight their deportation case. Non-citizens who will be deported may be able to show that the U.S. government was wrong to place them into removal proceedings. In immigration court, the presiding judge may ask the non-citizen to address the Notice to Appear by admitting or denying factual accusations and conceding or contesting any charges of removability.
Married To or Parent of U.S. Citizen
If you are facing deportation and are married to a U.S. citizen or have a U.S. citizen child over the age of 21, you may benefit from a family-based visa petition. If approved, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could grant an Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident, or a Green Card.
Asylum
If you are afraid to return to your home country because of persecution, you may apply for asylum which could lead to permanent residence. If a person has been the victim of a crime in the U.S., they could apply for nonimmigrant status, which is designed for victims who suffered physical or mental abuse and also assists government officials and law enforcement in investigating and apprehending criminals.
Criminal Conviction
If you are facing deportation and have been charged or convicted of a crime, your deportation defense presents additional challenges. An attorney that practices both immigration law and criminal law can assess your situation and provide legal guidance on the best strategy for your case.
A skilled deportation defense lawyer can help you resolve the threat of deportation and find ways to legally remain in the United States. Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties. To get started on your defense, call 855-554-6369 to schedule a consultation with one of the experienced immigration attorneys today. En Español.
