Deportation is the movement of someone out of the US by authorities. The legal term is removal. There are several grounds for removal from the US if you are an immigrant.
Besides non-documented immigration removal, you must also be aware of contract breaches and criminal offenses, which are grounds for removal. See below to ensure you do not cause the forcible deportation of you or a loved one due to negligence or criminal behavior.
Who handles deportation?
Depending on the situation, your removal might involve Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). Typically, ICE and CBP deal with criminal offenses, whereas USCIS handles application processing. The EOIR is where you can appeal your removal case.
What causes removal?
If you stay in the US longer than permitted, you are a candidate for deportation from the United States. If you are a green card holder, you also do not have immunity to removal if you break specific laws or violate the terms of your contract. Common grounds for removal include document fraud, drug violations or changing jobs inside the US without permission. If you face any of these charges, you do have a right to a lawyer. Always know that cancellation of removal is still possible.
As an immigrant, you need to understand your rights in the United States. Staying in good standing with the law is a good start, but you also have to honor your contracts and avoid deception.
