AVOID THE RISK OF DEPORTATION:
WHAT IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED STATES NEED TO KNOW

In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. government executed the expulsion of 142,580 undocumented individuals, marking a significant increase that nearly doubles the figures from the previous fiscal year, according to the report from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The figures reveal a striking landscape between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, where deportations surged, surpassing the 72,177 recorded in fiscal year 2022. Notably, within these statistics, 62,545 deportations were carried out under Title 42, an emergency measure allowing expedited expulsions from the border, which was suspended in May of this year, marking a significant turning point.

In comparison, 65,076 deportation orders were issued in fiscal year 2022, highlighting the magnitude of the changes implemented in immigration policies. These statistics not only reflect numbers but also the direct impact on the lives of those affected by these processes.

Deportation, more than a legal process, is an event that resonates in every corner of the lives of those who experience it. Deportation can have devastating consequences for both individuals and their families. The deported may be separated from their loved ones, leading to significant emotional distress. Additionally, they may lose their jobs, leading to financial difficulties and the inability to support their families. In their country of origin, they may face discrimination, violence, and other forms of persecution they initially fled from. In some cases, they may be deported to a country with which they no longer have a significant connection.

Facing deportation can be overwhelming, but it is essential that each individual understands and bravely defends their rights. Here, we break down the rights of immigrants on this complicated journey, creating a crucial map that empowers them against legal challenges:

1. Right to a Lawyer: The Strength of Legal Representation

   Every immigrant has the fundamental right to be represented by a lawyer during deportation proceedings. Although, unlike criminal proceedings, the government is not obligated to provide a lawyer for those who cannot afford one, we stress the importance of seeking this legal assistance. An experienced attorney can be the cornerstone to build a strong defense and make your voice heard in immigration court.

2. Right to Remain Silent: The Power of Legal Self-Care

   In the face of adversity, immigrants have the valuable right to remain silent. This right allows them to avoid answering questions that may be used against them. In a process where every word can carry significant weight, the right to remain silent becomes a powerful tool to safeguard one’s legal position.

3. Right to Refuse to Sign Documents: Protecting Your Immigration Status

   Immigrants not only have the right to remain silent but also the right to refuse to sign documents without the presence of a lawyer. The importance of this right lies in the ability to avoid legal commitments that may have serious consequences for immigration status. Prudence and caution when signing any document are key to safeguarding the future.

4. Right to a Hearing Before an Immigration Judge: The Stage for Fair Defense:

   At the heart of the process, immigrants have the vital right to present their case before an immigration judge. This judge will determine whether they have the right to remain in the United States. This hearing offers the opportunity to present arguments, submit evidence, and fight for justice. We advocate for this right as the essence of a legal system that should ensure fair defense for every individual, regardless of their origin.

The deportation process in the United States, although guided by legal regulations, unfolds as an intricate and multi-layered journey. It all begins when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues the critical Notice to Appear (NTA), formally announcing the initiation of the deportation process. The affected person is summoned to appear before an immigration judge, marking the start of a complex legal path.

In the initial hearing, the judge outlines the charges and legal rights to the individual. They are given the valuable opportunity to hire a lawyer, although unlike criminal proceedings, the government does not assume this responsibility in cases of financial difficulties. Here, in our offices, we become the guiding light, offering the necessary support for each individual to fully exercise their rights.

The ability to request relief from deportation, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status, adds a critical component to the process. If relief is granted, the opportunity to stay in the United States is provided, allowing for continuity in the person’s life. In contrast, denial results in the issuance of a final deportation order, marking the sad farewell to a place that was once home.

Immigration policy in the United States has undergone several changes in recent years. These changes have affected various areas, such as asylum, deportation, detention, and eligibility for certain immigration benefits.

Illustrating these changes, policies restricting individuals’ ability to seek asylum at the U.S. border have been implemented, challenging the narrative of hope and refuge. Simultaneously, grounds for considering an individual deportable have been expanded, intensifying tensions in an already strained system. In this dynamic backdrop, it is crucial for immigrants to be fully informed about these transformations and understand how they might affect their immigration status.

Here, at the Law Offices of Alice Antonovsky, we recognize the importance of having a reliable guide in the midst of these tumultuous waters. An immigration lawyer not only provides advice but also up-to-date guidance, ensuring that each individual can make informed and strategic decisions amid these constantly evolving changes.