Deportation/Removal
What is commonly called “deportation” was officially renamed “removal” in 1997. We call it deportation here.
Before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can deport a non-citizen from the United States, they need an order giving them the authority to do that. While there are a few different ways that the DHS can obtain this kind of order, for most non-citizens inside the United States they need to file formal charges and prosecute a deportation case against that person.
The process of deportation is complex and can be scary for the person being threatened with permanent deportation. They face a government attorney from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
However, those subject to deportation proceedings have certain rights, including the right to hire an attorney, and the right to fundamentally fair proceedings.
Someone facing deportation proceedings can challenge whether they are deportable or inadmissible as charged, and may also be able to show they are entitled to relief or protection from deportation. The immigration judges do not always get it right, and someone ordered deported can challenge the immigration judge’s decision.
20:15 January 30, 2021 Report