Facing possible removal from the United States can be stressful. You may wonder how long the process takes, what steps you must go through, and how to prepare for it. At New Frontier Immigration Law, we believe that understanding the process can help you make informed decisions. This guide outlines the U.S. deportation process from start to finish, so you know what to expect.
The process begins when immigration authorities issue a Notice to Appear (NTA). This document lists the date, time, and location of your first hearing in immigration court, called the master calendar hearing. An NTA may follow a traffic stop, arrest, or report to immigration enforcement.
Failing to attend the hearing can result in a removal order in your absence. If you do not have a removal defense attorney, you may request more time to find one.
The first hearing is usually short and procedural. You may have more than one, especially if you need time to prepare or file applications for relief. At one hearing, the judge will ask you to admit or deny allegations—answers that you cannot change later.
If you are filing an application, such as for a green card or other qualifying relief, submit it early. For detained individuals, applications must be in English and provided in three copies: one for you, one for the court, and one for the government.
Relief applications require supporting evidence, such as proof of family relationships, legal status of relatives, or hardship documentation. Some forms have significant filing fees, which must be paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before court submission. You must mail payment, receive a receipt, and include that receipt with your filing.
Evidence may include medical records, employment history, criminal history, country reports, and personal declarations. All evidence must follow court rules and be submitted, usually 30–45 days before the individual hearing.
The individual hearing, or merits hearing, is your trial. It often lasts two to three hours, with both sides presenting evidence and testimony. A legal brief is prepared beforehand to summarize your case, cite the law, and explain your eligibility for relief.
Some judges issue decisions immediately; others provide a written decision later. If denied, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and it must be received—not just mailed—by the deadline.
Appeals can extend the process for months or years, depending on detention status. Those not detained may live and work in the U.S. while waiting. Detained individuals often receive decisions sooner, sometimes in four to six months.
Immigration cases may be filed electronically or on paper, depending on the court. E-filing allows submissions until 11:59 p.m. in the court’s time zone on the deadline. Paper filings must be delivered before the clerk’s closing time—often 4 p.m.—and must be error-free. Same-day paper filings are risky, especially for distant courts.
The U.S. deportation process has strict deadlines, required forms, and key hearings. At New Frontier Immigration Law, we guide clients through every stage—helping prepare forms, gather evidence, meet deadlines, and understand what to expect in court. Call our office today or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
