Removal Defense Representation
Lawful permanent residents, non-immigrants and persons in the U.S. out of valid immigration status may be subject to removal. A person may be placed in removal proceedings for grounds of inadmissibility, failing to maintain status, certain criminal convictions, among other possible triggers of removability. Navigating removal proceedings in immigration court requires thorough knowledge and understanding of important court decisions, interpretations of the immigration laws and procedure, and deadlines. An order of removal carries severe consequences, including bars to re-entering the United States, and you should contact an experienced immigration attorney if you are placed in removal proceedings.

Relief from Removal
A person placed in removal proceedings may be eligible, however, for relief from removal. This relief may be either in the form of cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, asylum, registry, and voluntary departure. If you are facing removal proceedings, please call our office to examine all possible options in formulating a removal defense.

Asylum or Refugee Immigration
Every year, thousands of people flee their countries of origin and come to the U.S. searching protection from persecution in their country on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Persons who are eligible for asylum are allowed to remain in the U.S. for as long as they have a well-founded fear of persecution.

A person may seek asylum either affirmatively, by filing an application with the USCIS, or defensively, through proceedings with the immigration court. Once granted asylum, a person may apply for permanent resident status in the U.S. one year after obtaining asylee status. If the person is a refugee, he/she is required by law to apply for permanent resident status.

Cancellation of Removal
Cancellation of Removal is a form of relief that a lawful permanent resident may apply for if he/she shows admission as a lawful permanent resident for no less than 5 years, has resided in the United States for 7 years after being admitted in any status, and has not been convicted of certain crimes. A non-permanent resident may apply for cancellation of removal even if he/she is inadmissible or deportable if he/she has been physically present in the United States continuously for no less than 10 years before filing the application, has been a person of good moral character during the physical presence period, has not been convicted of certain offenses, and can show that removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying relative who is a either a U.S citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Each person’s situation and case is unique, and may qualify for other relief from removal. Please contact Cordova Immigration Law to discuss your particular case confidentially and to examine all possible avenues for relief.