EOIR Proceedings-Deportation & Removal

There are many reasons people are placed into deportation or removal proceedings. Because of the complexity of the immigration laws and the procedural rules in Immigration Court, it is important to obtain legal representation early on in this type of case.

Prior to April 1, 1997, an alien was either placed in exclusion or deportation proceedings, depending on whether the alien made an entry into the United States. However, the Immigration laws changed in 1996, and the new laws abolished the term "entry" and replaced it with the term "admission." Additionally, proceedings were no longer referred to as "exclusion or deportation" proceedings. Instead, the proceedings are now collectively referred to as "removal proceedings."

In a removal proceeding, the Immigration Judge makes a determination of whether the alien should be removed based on a ground of "inadmissibility," or a ground of "deportability." This determination generally turns on whether the alien has been "admitted" into the United States. For instance, if an alien is placed in removal proceedings and he has not been "admitted," he will be charged with a ground of "inadmissibility" pursuant to section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, if the alien has been "admitted" and is placed in removal proceedings, he will be charged with a ground of "deportability" under section 237 of the Act.

Removal proceedings against an alien are initiated when the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) files the Notice to Appear (NTA) with the Immigration Court. On the NTA, the USCIS will lodge the charge of removability against the alien. Once the alien is placed in removal proceedings, the alien will have an opportunity to appear before the Immigration Court to challenge the charge of removability and apply for various forms of relief such as cancellation of removal, waivers for charges of inadmissibility, adjustment of status, asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture and voluntary departure. Eligibility for each of the listed relief varies according to the statute, the charge of removability lodged, and the personal situation of each alien.