Overview of the Deportation Process and Timeline - EMP Law Firm (2024)

Jan 12, 2023 | By EMP Law | Read Time: 3 minutes | Immigration Law

The deportation process in the United States is lengthy and often complex. In many cases, the process can take years.

The outcome of these proceedings, no matter how slow or quick, could drastically change your life. It is always best to haveskilled, aggressive immigration representationgoing into deportation proceedings.

Learn how we can assist you by calling(336) 724-2828orsending us an online messagetoday.

How Long Is the Deportation Process?

The exact length of the deportation process will vary widely from case to case. Further, some cases may qualify for an expedited deportation process which can result in a removal order being issued within weeks. But typically, the deportation process can take up to three years to complete.

Deportation Proceedings Timeline

Removal proceedings are the first formal step in thedeportation process. However, the process informally begins when the authorities become aware of the undocumented immigrant’s presence in the United States.

An undocumented immigrant may get on the immigration authorities’ radar after they are arrested for a crime, a workplace raid, or an anonymous phoned-in tip.

Notice to Appear

No matter how it comes about, once you are on the U.S. immigration authorities’ radar, you will receive a notice to appear at a master calendar hearing. The notice to appear typically includes the reason the government is seeking your removal and advises you of your right to counsel.

Master Calendar Hearing

The MasterCalendar Hearing is a preliminary hearing in the removal process.

At this hearing, the judge advises you of your official charges and gives you the opportunity to admit or deny those charges. The court then schedules the next hearing. There may be more than one Master Calendar Hearing in your case.

Individual Hearing

The Individual Hearing is often called a merits hearing or a trial. At the Individual Hearing, you will be allowed to present testimony, evidence, and arguments against deportation. The Individual Hearing can take a few hours or several days, depending on your case’s facts and circ*mstances.

After the hearing, the judge will either grant you relief or enter a removal order. Sometimes this is done on the spot, and other times the judge will set an additional hearing to render the decision.

The exact time from the conclusion of the hearing to physical deportation often depends on your home country’s deportation laws. For instance, the United States and Mexico have a long-standing relationship and agreements that allow for more immediate deportation. For other countries, it can take up to 90 days or even longer from the date of the removal order.

Appeal

If you lose and the judge enters a removal order, you will have 30 days to file anotice of appeal.

Filing a request for appeal generally stays the order of removal. In other words, the authorities cannot deport you while the appeal is pending. The deportation appeal process can take years.

Factors That Influence the Deportation Process Timeline

It is impossible to say precisely how long your deportation process might take. However, several factors can impact the timeline by either speeding up or slowing down the process.

These include:

• The length of time you have been in the U.S.,
• Your criminal background,
• The distance you are located from the border,
• Family ties to U.S. citizens or legal residents,
• Fear of persecution by your home country, and
• Any prior removal orders.

How these factors apply to you can impact your deportation process timeline.

Our Deportation Attorneys Are Here for You

If you believe you or a loved one has been reported to the U.S. immigration authorities as an undocumented immigrant, you need a knowledgeable immigration lawyer.

At EMP Law, our team is experienced in representing individuals facing removal proceedings. We understand how uncertain and challenging this time can be.

Contact us onlineor call(336) 724-2828today for a confidential consultation.

Helen L. Parsonage

Helen believes in providing caring, thoughtful and thorough representation for each and every person. In particular, Helen focuses on helping individuals navigate the maze of rules, procedures and processes created by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and those facing criminal charges or deportation.