Immigration Removal (Deportation) Defense

We represent clients in immigration courts, protecting them from removal (deportation) throughout the United States. We may be able to resolve some cases through filing of paper motions alone, but most cases will require us to appear in person.

Why Removal Proceedings Begin

Reasons for being placed into removal proceedings include:

  1. Entering the U.S. without inspection

  2. Overstaying a visa

  3. Violating the terms of a particular visa

  4. Being convicted of certain crimes

  5. Committing fraud

  6. Losing an asylum case at the Asylum Office

Removal proceedings are initiated by the government's issuance of a Notice To Appear (NTA) that is served on the immigrant and filed with the immigration court.

Types of Hearings

Master Calendar Hearings

These are short hearings and consist of only a few questions from the immigration judge.

Individual Hearing

An immigrant's final hearing in immigration court. After submitting applications for immigration relief, a person will have the opportunity during the Individual Hearing to testify, examine witnesses, and present evidence and legal arguments.

If you have been served with an NTA, it is important to contact us as soon as possible for a consultation.

How We Can Help — Common Forms of Relief

  • Asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture claims

  • Cancellation of removal for non-permanent residents

  • Cancellation of removal for permanent residents

  • VAWA cancellation of removal

  • Adjustment of status, with waivers if required

  • Dismissal of removal proceedings under prosecutorial discretion

  • Termination of removal for lawful permanent residents

  • Termination and administrative closure of cases

Services We Provide

  • Review of NTA and circumstances

  • Communication with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

  • Filing motions, briefs, and applications for relief

  • Assistance with Work Authorization applications

  • Expert location services

  • Representation at Master Calendar Hearings

  • Legal argument preparation for Individual Hearings

  • Testimony preparation

Motions to Reopen and Appeals

Many people have removal orders against them and they do not realize it. It is very important to find out if there is a removal order against a person, for example for failing to come to court.

When an immigrant loses their case in immigration court, this decision can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The person has 30 days from the immigration judge's order to file an appeal to the BIA.

While an immigrant's appeal is pending, that person cannot be arrested by ICE and removed from the United States.

Helpful Resources

We welcome you to contact the AIM Immigration Law to schedule a consultation about how we can help you win your case in immigration court and stay in the United States.

Removal Defense Attorney San Francisco | Deportation Defense