3 Guidelines To Follow When You Are About To Get Deported
Deportation is a risk that all immigrants face whether they have the correct documentation to be in the country or not. Many things can lead to the department of immigration serving you with a notice to appear. Some of the most common ones include smuggling aliens into the country, drug possession, money laundering, domestic violence, and terrorism. Facing deportation is a stressful process that you should never handle without a competent lawyer. Here are some guidelines that can help ease your experience.
Following the Due Process
Most immigrants panic when served with the notice to appear. When you are anxious, you might make some decisions that could worsen your case. However, this does not mean you will be deported, so you do not have to run or hide. Instead, you should speak to a lawyer and inform them about your circumstances. Also, attend all the hearings scheduled by the department of immigration. If you decide to change your residence during the process, ensure you notify the authorities beforehand. It is also advisable to follow all the required deadlines when submitting documents.
Understand Your Rights
It is essential to understand that you still retain some rights despite your immigration status. Therefore, the law enforcement officers should not treat you in any manner that dehumanizes you during the arrest. For example, you have the right to remain silent regardless of the questions they ask you during the arrest. Remember that the department might use the things you say against you during the deportation proceedings.
You can also refuse a search if the officers do not have a solid probable cause to do it. You can appeal, present evidence, and review the evidence presented by the prosecution against you. A competent lawyer will help uphold your rights throughout the legal proceedings.
Come Up With a Deportation Defense
A deportation defense will help you contest the decision to remove you from the country. You can create a winning strategy if you work with a deportation defense lawyer. Some of the defenses they might set up for you include helping you seek asylum in the country or pursuing a status adjustment. The lawyer's ultimate goal should be to get the removal order canceled.
Deportation cases are stressful and time-sensitive. However, you can manage them with the help of a competent lawyer. The lawyer will help you come up with the best defense and respond to the department of immigration in a manner that lowers the chances of you leaving the country.