Non-citizens in the United States may face removal for a number of reasons, including criminal conviction, unlawful entry, prohibited employment activity, or diagnosis of certain diseases. If you fear that you are in danger of being deported, there may be legal relief available to you.
Examples of ways to avoid removal include:
Waiver. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, if you have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, a waiver may help you attain permanent residency or keep your residency. Waivers may also be effective in providing a path to permanent residency for individuals deemed inadmissible for health-related reasons.
Adjustment of status. Certain individuals already in the United States may be eligible to apply for immigrant status if they are eligible for an immigrant visa and one is immediately available.
Cancellation of removal. Lawful permanent residents who meet certain requirements under the Immigration Act may be eligible for cancellation of residency for crimes other than aggravated felonies. Additionally, children, parents, or spouses of lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for 10 years may be eligible for cancellation of removal. An individual who can demonstrate that his or her removal would result in extreme hardship for a qualifying relative may be eligible for cancellation of removal.
Request for asylum. In order to be eligible for asylum, you must be able to demonstrate persecution or other serious harm. You must file for asylum within one year of entering the United States. However, failure to file within one year may be excused in certain circumstances.
Appeals. Some decisions by the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and even the Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals may be appealable.
An experienced lawyer in the St. Petersburg area will fight to protect you and your loved ones from the threat of deportation.