Immigration litigation occurs when Department of Homeland Security generally initiates legal action. Removal proceedings are common when someone is unlawfully in the United States without legal status. During immigration litigation, it is important to be represented by an El Paso immigration attorney like Cynthia R. Lopez, who is familiar with deportation and removal cases. While there is much to know about handling immigration litigation, here are some quick facts to get you started.
What to Know about Immigration Litigation
While there is a lot of information out there, here are 10 basic facts to get your started on immigration litigation:
- Removal proceedings are started when you are served with a charging document.
- The charging document is called Notice to Appear. The Notice to Appear has to be filed with an immigration court.
- The Notice to Appear requires you to come before a judge.
- The Notice to Appear provides details on the alleged violations of the law as well as the date of the removal proceedings.
- You have the right to a lawyer but the government will not pay for one.
- You may have one or more hearings depending upon the specific case.
- A master hearing, in which you are informed of alleged violations of immigration law, is the first step in removal proceedings.
- An individual hearing comes next, during which you can make legal arguments against removal.
- The outcome of the case will depend upon whether you are eligible for relief from removal.
- Possible outcomes include adjustment of status, asylum, cancellation of removal, or removal.
Getting Help With Immigration Litigation
An El Paso immigration lawyer should represent and advocate for you when you are involved in any type of immigration litigation, including removal proceedings. Cynthia R. Lopez has deep roots in immigration law in El Paso and is committed to providing the best legal counsel and representation possible. Our law office can help you with immigration issues ranging from deportation to applying for citizenship. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
