Deportation Defense: Every Minute Counts
Immigration News
LatestU.S. Department of StateNov 1, 2026
November 2026 Visa Bulletin: read the official monthly update
The Department of State has published its November 2026 Visa Bulletin, with family and employment preference charts. Open the official bulletin for the dates and USCIS filing-chart link. A date on a chart alone does not decide whether you may file.
USCISAdjustment of Status (Green Card): Rules and Filing Charts Keep ChangingJul 1, 2026USCISHumanitarian Protections Remain Available: U-Visa, T-Visa, and VAWAJul 1, 2026USCISCuban Parole Pathways: Confirm the Current Status Before You Rely on ThemJul 1, 2026EOIRImmigration Court Practices Vary by Location: Local Representation MattersJul 1, 2026
Official U.S. sources (USCIS, EOIR, Federal Register). Not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
Facing a deportation order is one of the most frightening experiences you can endure. Your family, your job, your entire life is at risk. At J. Lee & Associates Law Group, our deportation defense attorneys have direct experience in Georgia's immigration courts, including the Atlanta court that serves Gwinnett County. We act with the urgency your case demands.
Immigration law offers several forms of relief for individuals in removal proceedings. Cancellation of removal under INA § 240A is available to both permanent residents and individuals without legal status who have lived continuously in the U.S. for 10 years or more and have citizen or permanent resident family members who would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship. Defensive asylum under INA § 208 protects those facing persecution in their home country.
If you or a family member has been detained by ICE, time is critical. You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and to be represented by an attorney. Do not answer questions from immigration agents without legal representation. Statements you make can be used to expedite your deportation. Call immediately at (770) 609-9396.
Steps You Should Take
1
Do Not Sign Anything without an Attorney
If ICE asks you to sign voluntary departure documents, DO NOT sign without consulting an attorney. Voluntary departure may seem attractive but it eliminates certain forms of future relief.
2
Call Immediately at (770) 609-9396
We offer emergency consultations for ICE detentions. The sooner we have your case, the more options we will have to protect you.
3
Gather Evidence of Your Life in the U.S.
Tax records, rental agreements, your children's school records, letters from employers, and evidence of community involvement strengthen your case for cancellation of removal.
4
Identify Citizen or Resident Family Members
The relationship with family members who have legal status is key to many forms of relief. Identify all family members who can support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cancellation of removal?
It is a form of relief available in immigration court. For non-permanent residents under INA § 240A(b), you must demonstrate 10 years of continuous physical presence in the U.S., good moral character, and that your deportation would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying citizen or permanent resident relative (spouse, parent, or child). Only 4,000 cancellations are granted per fiscal year.
Can I request bond if I am detained by ICE?
In many cases, yes. The immigration judge may grant bond if you do not pose a danger to the community or a flight risk. The minimum amount is $1,500. Certain serious offenses make detention mandatory without bond under INA § 236(c).
What if I have an old deportation order?
If you have an in absentia removal order, it may be possible to reopen your case if you demonstrate exceptional circumstances or that you did not receive proper notice. A motion to reopen under 8 CFR § 1003.23 generally must be filed within 180 days, but there are exceptions.
Can a DUI cause my deportation?
A simple DUI is generally not a ground for deportation on its own. However, multiple DUIs, DUI with injuries, or DUI combined with other criminal history may be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude under INA § 237(a)(2). Each case requires individual analysis.
Can my U.S. citizen children prevent my deportation?
Having citizen children does not automatically prevent deportation, but it is an important factor. Your children can be the basis for applying for cancellation of removal if you can demonstrate they would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship. They can also petition for you when they turn 21.
📋 Documents for Deportation Defense
Case Documents
- □Notice to Appear (NTA)
- □Immigration court documents
- □Bond order (if detained)
- □Any prior court orders
Community Ties
- □Employer letters
- □School records of citizen children
- □Tax returns
- □Evidence of time in the U.S.
- □Community letters (church, neighbors)
Eligibility Evidence
- □Evidence for cancellation of removal, asylum, or other benefit
- □Pending family petitions
- □Medical records of extreme hardship
Applicable Laws
INA § 240A / 8 USC § 1229bCancellation of removal for permanent residents and non-permanent residents with 10 years of presence.
INA § 208 / 8 USC § 1158Defensive asylum: protection for individuals facing persecution in their home country.
INA § 236(c)Mandatory detention for certain serious offenses: no right to bond.
8 CFR § 1003.23Motions to reopen deportation proceedings before the immigration court.
Related Services
Other Immigration Law Services
Green cards and status
Humanitarian protection and detention
Young immigrants
Citizenship
Family immigration
Work and business visas
Immigration court and deportation defense
Waivers and permission to return
Travel, consulates and extensions
More services
Immigration Emergency Consultation
Talk to a deportation defense attorney today.
Schedule Consultation(770) 609-93961250 Tech Dr, Suite 240
Norcross, GA 30093
📋
Document Checklist
See the documents you need for your deportation defense case. Complete list organized by category.
View full list →Don't Wait. Every Day Counts.
The law has deadlines. Protect your rights today.
JLA explains it on video
Hear from our team. These educational videos do not replace an attorney’s review of your situation or changes in the rules.