Living as an undocumented immigrant in Colorado may make your life stressful at times. If you’re like many other immigrants without legal residency papers, you probably do your best to keep your head low, go to work, obey the law and take care of your family as best you can. You probably get nervous in situations that would seem relatively minor to the average citizen, such as if a police officer pulls you over in a traffic stop.
There’s another document that may literally raise the hairs on the back of your neck that is known as a notice to appear (NTA). In fact, if an official serves you with these papers, you can consider the removal process already begun and in progress.
Understanding the legal process may help prevent problems
It’s understandable that you may fear even the mention of the word deportation. Arming yourself with as much information as possible ahead of time, however, may help you overcome any obstacles that arise. The following list contains facts regarding the removal process of which you should be aware:
- If an NTA document has been served to you, this means it is also on file in an immigration court.
- Reasons for removal and possible deportation are usually in an NTA.
- At some point, a judge will ask you to verify the contents of your NTA.
- Before that happens, you will undoubtedly be given the choice to go it alone in court or act alongside legal representation.
- In certain circumstances, you may be able to apply for deportation relief.
- If the judge orders your removal, you have 30 days to appeal the decision.
- If the Board of Immigration Appeals upholds the initial judge’s decision, you can still file another appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Pleading your case in immigration court when people are pushing for your removal may undoubtedly be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Many Colorado immigrants allow experienced immigration advocates to do the talking for them in court. If you receive an NTA, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will definitely have to leave the United States. With a bit of time and a lot of effort and support from appropriate parties, you may be able to avoid deportation and get your life back on track in America.
Not every detainment situation involves an undocumented immigrant. Therefore, even if your papers are in order you may still be detained and in need of immediate assistance to rectify the situation. An immigration and naturalization law attorney would know how to act swiftly to seek a viable solution to your problem.