Deportation defense
Standing beside you in immigration court
A Notice to Appear starts a case in immigration court. You have the right to a lawyer there, at your own cost, and the court will provide an interpreter.
We start by reading the notice and your whole history, because the right defense depends on both. Some people can ask the judge to cancel removal after ten years here with citizen or resident family. Others can seek asylum, or finish a green card case in court. If a relative has been detained, we ask for a bond hearing first, so the rest of the case can be fought from home.
Ways to ask the court to let you stay
- 01
Cancellation of removal
For people with ten years here, good conduct, and a citizen or resident spouse, parent or child who would suffer if they were sent away.
- 02
Asylum and withholding
For people who fear harm in their home country because of who they are or what they believe. Deadlines are strict, so tell us early.
- 03
A green card in court
When a family petition is approved, a judge can sometimes grant the green card in the same case.
- 04
Bond and release
A hearing to let a detained relative come home while the case goes on. We gather letters, proof of address and family ties.
Questions about immigration court
A relative was detained. What do we do first?
Write down their full name, date of birth and, if you have it, their A-number, then call us. We'll find where they're being held and whether they can ask for a bond. Don't pay anyone who promises a release; only a judge or the government can grant one.
I missed a court date. Is it too late?
Not always. A judge may reopen a case if you didn't get proper notice, or if something serious kept you away. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Will my hearing be in Spanish?
The hearing is in English, and the court provides a Spanish interpreter at no cost. Our lawyers prepare you in Spanish, so nothing at the hearing comes as a surprise.
Talk to a lawyer about your court date
Bring the Notice to Appear and any letter you've had from the court.