If someone you know has been deported from the United States, you may think that they no longer need the help of a deportation attorney. Certainly, if they have no plans to return to the U.S., they no longer need legal assistance. If they want to try to reenter the country, however, a deportation attorney can make the difference in whether or not their petition to reenter is approved. If you want to help a friend or loved one try to legally return to the United States, here are some things you (and they) should know about getting back into the U.S. after deportation:
Typical Reasons For Deportation
Reentry into the U.S. after deportation is related directly to the reason the person was deported in the first place.
The reasons for deportation usually fall into these categories:
- The person was inadmissible upon initial entry into the U.S. or upon granting of permanent residency, or they violated the terms of their immigration status.
- The person was convicted of a crime that made them deportable.
- The person failed to register with immigration authorities or falsified entry documents.
- The person is an apparent threat to U.S. national security.
For each of these categories, there are a number of waivers that can allow for re-entry into the U.S., with the exception of the last category. There is no waiver that will allow a person who is deemed a threat to national security to reenter the country.
Removal Times Vary
Removal time, or the time a person who is deported must remain outside of the U.S., varies depending on the type and number of immigration law violations. A person who has a deportation or removal order issued against them must remain outside the country for five, ten or 20 years. There is even a possibility that they may be permanently barred from reentering the U.S.
A five-year removal time is for those persons who were deemed inadmissible immediately upon their arrival in the U.S. or for persons who were deported after having been placed in removal proceedings after their arrival. A 10-year removal time is for persons who were ordered removed by an Immigration Judge or for persons who left the U.S. while immigration court proceedings were ongoing. A 20-year removal time is for persons who have been removed or deported from the U.S. more than once. Permanent removal is for persons who were convicted of an aggravated felony or were deported and then reentered the U.S. without permission or reentered, or tried to reenter, the U.S. after previously having been in the U.S. illegally for a total of more than a year.
An Attorney is a Key to Success
Following deportation, reentry into the United States can be very complicated. An attorney who specializes in immigration law and who understands every aspect of deportation–from removal to reentry–is the key to a successful outcome. An experienced attorney will prepare all of the documents necessary for applying for permission to reapply for entry into the U.S. and will be able to set forth the best case possible for reentry.
If someone you know needs help trying to reenter the United States, call the experienced Fort Worth-area deportation attorney, Nathan Christensen, at (972) 497-1017. To find out more about The Law Office Of Nathan Christensen PC, visit immigrationlawyerdallastx.com.