Deportation or Removal proceedings are civil proceedings initiated against an individual who the government believes is not entitled to remain legally in the United States. Removal proceedings take place in special immigration courts located throughout the United States. Examples of foreign nationals who may be placed into removal proceedings include:

  • Noncitizens attempting to enter the United States who the government believes are not entitled to enter (e.g. persons seeking admission with fraudulent documents or without proper documentation such as a visa);
  • Noncitizens who entered the United States legally with a visa, but whose permission to be in the United States has now expired or who otherwise violated the terms of their visa (e.g. working without permission);
  • Noncitizens who entered the United States without inspection who are later found in the United States;
  • Noncitizens who apply for an immigration benefit such as lawful permanent residence, temporary protected status, or asylum whose applications are denied by the Citizenship and Immigration Services; and
  • Lawful permanent residents who commit certain crimes or who remain outside of the United States for extended periods of time.