Experienced Los Angeles Deportation Lawyers Who Fight For Your Rights
Since 1958, the Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein have protected immigrants and their families against removal from the United States.
Deportation is a frightening experience that can mean separation from your loved ones and from the life you’ve built in Los Angeles.
Our compassionate team will take your story to heart while exploring every option to help you stay in the U.S.
Why Work With Our Los Angeles Deportation Lawyers?
Facing removal proceedings is more than just stressful. It can feel like your entire life is on hold, especially when your family’s future is at stake.
From an arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to receiving a Notice to Appear in immigration court, each day can put an extra burden on you.
Our attorneys will analyze your case details, determine the best possible defense, represent you at court hearings, and explore all forms of relief, including asylum, cancellation of removal, and waivers.
Immigration & Deportation Trends In Los Angeles
- California is home to approximately 1.8 million undocumented immigrants, the highest concentration in the United States.
- An estimated 2.2 million non-citizens in the Los Angeles metro area could face deportation.
- Deportation affects workers in construction, hospitality, and service industries, which are key to the Los Angeles economy.
- Recent raids in Los Angeles have shaken California’s homebuilding industry, where 41% of the workforce is made up of immigrants.
- The Los Angeles immigration court has one of the highest case backlogs in the country, with hundreds of thousands of cases pending.
What Is Deportation?
Deportation, also called removal, is the legal process in which the U.S. government orders a non-citizen to leave the country.
It can affect a person’s ability to return to the U.S. in the future or gain legal status elsewhere.
Common Reasons For Deportation In Los Angeles
We’ve helped people from all walks of life challenge deportation, whether due to visa overstays, minor offenses, or paperwork errors.
- Entering without inspection (EWI)
- Overstaying a visa
- Convictions for certain crimes
- Accusations of marriage fraud
- Misrepresentation on immigration forms
- Domestic violence charges
- Alleged ties to gangs or national security concerns
If you’re facing removal for any of these reasons, schedule a consultation with our team at Spar & Bernstein. We’ll carefully examine all possible options to help you remain in the U.S. legally.
Cancellation Of Removal: A Potential Strategy In Los Angeles
Cancellation of removal is a legal tool that may allow you to avoid deportation if you are eligible for it.
For Lawful Permanent Residents (Form EOIR-42A):
You may qualify if you meet the following requirements:
- You have had a Green Card holder for at least 5 years
- You have continuously lived in the U.S. for 7+ years after being lawfully admitted to the country
- You have not been convicted of an aggravated felony
For Non-Permanent Residents (Form EOIR-42B):
To be eligible, you must:
- Have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years
- Prove good moral character
- Not have been convicted of certain crimes
- Show that removal would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member
VAWA-Based Cancellation Of Removal
You may qualify under the Violence Against Women Act if you:
- Are not a permanent resident
- Were abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent
- Meet other eligibility requirements
What Happens During Removal Proceedings In Los Angeles?
Once deportation proceedings begin, the first document you are likely to receive is a Notice to Appear, a formal sign that the legal process is already moving. What follows is a series of hearings, starting with the Master Hearing, where you’ll hear the government’s charges against you.
Next comes the Individual Hearing, where you can present your side and your truth, after which the immigration judge will make a decision on your case.
If they order deportation, that’s not the end of your immigration story. You can still appeal, and our knowledgeable and compassionate team at Spar & Bernstein will guide you through the process.
Other Forms Of Relief From Deportation
Aside from cancellation of removal, you may have the right to pursue other forms of protection, such as:
- Asylum: For individuals fearing persecution in their home country
- U Visas or T Visas: For victims of crime or human trafficking
- Waivers of Inadmissibility: Available in certain cases of misrepresentation or unlawful presence
Before you give in to fear, talk to an attorney who understands the system and has helped other people like you stay with their families in L.A.
Experienced Defense Lawyers Fighting Deportation and Removal in Los Angeles
Our compassionate legal team understands that removal can be extremely stressful. With deep knowledge of Los Angeles immigration landscape, we’ll review your case and craft the best defense strategy.
Deportation Defense Attorney FAQs
What Does A Deportation And Removal Defense Lawyer Do In LA?
A deportation and removal defense lawyer helps people facing removal from the U.S. by representing them in immigration court and seeking legal paths to keep them in the country.
When Should I Contact A Deportation Lawyer In Los Angeles?
Call a lawyer as soon as you receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court or if you are detained by immigration authorities. Your fast reaction will ensure you have legal support from the very start, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
What Is A Notice To Appear?
A Notice to Appear (NTA), known also as Form I-862, is an official document that triggers the beginning of the deportation process against a foreign national.
A NTA may be delivered:
- Personally, served by an immigration officer
- By mail at your last-known address
Receiving a Notice to Appear does not necessarily mean you will be deported. Contact a deportation and removal defense attorney at Spar Bernstein to discuss your case and get recommendations on your next steps.
Can I Be Deported From Los Angeles Without A Hearing?
In most cases you are entitled to a hearing before an immigration judge. Exceptions are possible if you waive your rights or are subject to expedited removal.
What Are Common Reasons For Deportation In Los Angeles?
Common reasons for removal from the U.S. include visa overstay, criminal convictions, entering the U.S. illegally, or violating the terms of your immigration status.
Can A Deportation Order Be Challenged?
Yes, you or your lawyer can challenge a deportation order through motions to reopen or appeals filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals. Working with a trusted deportation attorney ensures that all possible paths for remaining in the country will be explored.
How Can A Lawyer Help Me Avoid Deportation In Los Angeles?
Depending on your situation, a lawyer can help you apply for relief options like asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or waiver.
What Is Cancellation Of Removal?
Cancellation of removal is a form of relief that allows certain immigrants to remain in the U.S. if they meet specific requirements such as long-term residence and good moral character.
What Is Voluntary Departure?
Voluntary departure refers to leaving the US on your own before completing removal proceedings. You must request voluntary departure before an immigration judge or department of homeland security officer. Otherwise, you may have just self-deported.
You do not qualify for voluntary departure if you:
- Have prior removal orders
- Have been convicted of an aggravated felony
When you leave under voluntary departure you are not leaving with an order of deportation.
Can I Get A Green Card While Facing Deportation?
In some cases, this might be possible. For example, you can apply for an adjustment of status through a family relationship. Your lawyer can help you apply for a Green Card during your proceedings.
Will A Criminal Conviction Affect My Case?
Yes, certain criminal convictions can make you deportable or ineligible for relief. Talk to an immigration lawyer who can assess your situation.
Can I Fight Deportation If I Entered The United States Illegally?
Absolutely. Even if you entered the U.S. without documents, you still have legal rights, and in many cases, options to stay in the United States.
What Happens If I Miss My Court Hearing?
If you miss your hearing, this can result in an automatic removal order. If you had a valid reason for missing it, a lawyer can help you file a motion to reopen your case.
How Long Do Deportation Proceedings Take In Los Angeles?
The time can vary depending on the court backlog and complexity of the case. Some cases are resolved in months, while others may take years.
Can I Work While My Case Is Pending?
You may have the right to apply for a work permit depending on the type of relief you’re seeking. Your lawyer can help determine if you‘re eligible to do so.
What Does The Immigration Judge Do?
The immigration judge decides whether you should be removed from the U.S. or you qualify for any form of relief from deportation.
Can I Appeal A Deportation Order?
Yes, you typically can appeal the decision within 30 days.
Can I Be Detained While Fighting Deportation In Los Angeles?
It’s possible. However, your lawyer can request a bond hearing and argue for your release while your case is pending.
Is There A Deadline To Applying For Relief?
Yes. Different types of relief have their own strict filing deadlines. Delaying could limit your options. That’s why it’s critical to seek legal help.
How Do I Choose A Deportation Lawyer In Los Angeles?
Look for a lawyer with strong experience in removal defense, knowledge of local immigration courts, and a compassionate approach to your case. With six decades of immigration experience and hundreds of success stories, our team at Spar & Bernstein will explore every possible option to keep you in the United States, close to your family and the life you’ve built in Los Angeles.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio