Removal proceedings replaced deportation and exclusion proceedings, and there are major differences concerning the burden of proof, forms of available relief, and custody. Removal proceedings are hearings typically held in front of an immigration judge who determines whether a person can remain in the United States, and you will want to have Cicero removal defense attorneys assisting you in defending yourself in these cases.
Removal proceedings usually begin when the government alleges that a person does not have valid immigration status or has done something to otherwise end their valid immigration status. There are several reasons why people can be facing removal from the United States.
A removal proceeding usually begins with a U.S. immigration official filing a Notice to Appear with the immigration court that includes allegations against a person. Some of the most common reasons that people face removal proceedings include, but are not limited to:
The five major categories of criminal offenses that can trigger removal proceedings include aggravated felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude (such as murder, embezzlement, burglary, robbery, perjury, and aggravated assault), drug crimes, firearms crimes, and domestic violence offenses. The government will have to prove both the allegations and the grounds for removal.Â
When a person who receives a notice does not appear for their hearing, the immigration judge can still grant the government’s request for removal. Removal proceedings usually begin with the initial hearing, also known as the master calendar hearing.Â
Some people may have multiple master calendar hearings. At the master calendar hearing, a person facing potential deportation, or respondent, either admits or denies the charges against them.Â
The respondent gets the opportunity to identify any defenses to removal they may have and file an application(s) for relief from removal, including an application for asylum, cancelation of removal, or adjustment of status. The next hearing is known as the individual calendar hearing or merits hearing and is typically scheduled during the master calendar hearing.Â
The master calendar hearing is often quite brief, and the respondent can supplement the motion or application they file during the master calendar hearing with additional evidence and documentation until 15 days before the merits hearing. A merits hearing will be a longer and more involved proceeding during which the judge hears testimony and reviews evidence and legal arguments to make a decision.
Possible defenses during these hearings can include people applying for lawful permanent residency through family members, employers, as victims of crimes (through a U visa) or domestic violence (through the Violence Against Women Act [VAWA]), or several other ways, when they are eligible to do so. People who lived in the United States for a certain period of time and meet other requirements could simply be eligible for cancellation of removal.
People who fear returning to their home country could also be eligible for protection under asylum, the Convention Against Torture (CAT), or withholding of removal. Some people might actually be United States citizens and be able to terminate removal proceedings by getting the government to recognize their citizenship.
If you are facing a removal proceeding in the Cicero area, you need to know that you do not have to try and defend yourself alone. Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC knows how to handle these types of cases and can fight to make sure that you are able to avoid any possible deportation threat.
Our firm has represented thousands of clients since our founding in 1974. Call us or contact us online for a free consultation so we can look over your case and help you understand all of the options that are available to you.
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
Mr. Burton helped my mother with her case. He was always polite, clear, and always answered my questions in a professional and diligent manner. Our case ran smoothly, and we never ran into any issues. I also want to greatly thank the paralegal that also managed my case, Stephanie Nunez, she was always willing and very helpful with my mother, a genuinely good person. I will forever recommend Justin and…
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Justin Burton! He is an outstanding specialist in his field and an attorney who quite literally changed our family’s life. Mr. Burton demonstrated a highly professional approach and exceptional dedication to our case. He stands out for his extensive knowledge of immigration law and, beyond that, is a person of great integrity. I can wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Justin Burton and…
I would like to start this review with a big thank you for the immigration lawyer, Nicole Provax, who has done a successful and amazing work on my dad’s case! She was dedicated in walking us through the whole process, keeping excellent communication with us, and despite the little hurdles that came up along the way, she was able to get the case to continue progressing! I’m forever grateful of…
We had the pleasure of having Justin Burton on my parents case. From the moment we reached out, his staff was incredibly welcoming and took the time to really listen to our concerns. We never felt rushed or like just another case, Justin made sure we understood every step of the process and answered all our questions with patience and clarity. What really impressed us was how Justin and staff…
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
NUVEW | Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy