What is deportation?

Deportation is the act of forcing a person to leave the country they are illegally residing in. In Virginia, the only body legally authorized to deport someone is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Deportation can happen for multiple reasons. Generally, it is the result of an individual being identified as an illegal immigrant, or someone who has violated immigration laws. It can also occur if someone has an expired visa, is convicted of a crime, or has become a public charge, meaning they are dependent on the government for support. In Virginia, ICE has the authority to arrest and detain individuals who are subject to deportation, and then a deportation hearing where the judge will decide their fate. The immigration judge will consider a variety of factors during the hearing, such as the individual’s criminal history and ties to the community in Virginia. The immigration judge has the authority to grant the individual a “stay of deportation” which can prevent the deportation from being carried out. Ultimately, it is up to ICE and the immigration judge to decide if deportation is going to take place. Depending on the immigration status of the individual, they may also be eligible for other legal options such as a waiver of deportation.

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Deportación es el proceso por el cual un migrante es forzado a regresar a su país de origen. Esto se lleva a cabo a través de una decisión judicial o por medio de una orden de la autoridad de inmigración. En Virginia, los departamentos de inmigración cuentan con el poder para realizar deportaciones y son responsables de la detención, procesamiento y deportación de inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos. Las leyes de inmigración de Virginia regulan los procedimientos relacionados con la deportación exactamente como lo hacen las leyes de inmigración federales. Algunos motivos para ser deportado incluyen tener una visa caducada, no respetar las leyes de inmigración locales y federales, estar en el país sin tener un permiso válido y ser condenado por un delito grave. En Virginia, los departamentos de inmigración y los oficiales de inmigración pueden decidir si el migrante debe ser expulsado de inmediato o si su caso se debe evaluar primero. En algunos casos, los inmigrantes que están bajo amenaza de deportación pueden ser elegibles para recibir asistencia legal y beneficios de asilo.

Related FAQs

What is a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider?
How can I travel to the United States without a visa?
What is a Voluntary Departure?
What is a non-immigrant visa?
What is the Automatic Stay of Deportation?
What is an ICE Warrant?
What is a Reentry Permit?
What is a “Motion to Stay Deportation”?
What is a Notice of Intent to Deny?
What is “relief” or “protection” from deportation?

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