Many people come to California from other countries every year. When people come to the U.S., they come for a variety of reasons. Some remain here for a few months for work or school. Others plan on staying for the rest of their lives. People need different visas or immigration status depending on the reason they are here. They must also follow the rules for their immigration status, otherwise they could be removed from the country through deportation.
Deportation can be a very scary thought and can completely change people’s lives. This is especially true when people have been here for a long period of time and have created a life for themselves and their families. There is a process for deportation, though, and people have a right to hearings before they are simply removed from the country. There are also potential removal defenses that you should understand.
How cancellation of removal works
People may also be eligible for cancellation of removal. In order to be eligible for this relief, people must prove to an Immigration Judge that they have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years and are of good moral character, have not been convicted of certain crimes, and show that removal would put an extreme undue hardship on a spouse, child or parent who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Also, if people have been abused by a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or are parents of children who have been abused, they could receive removal cancellation. However, they must live in this country for at least three years, have good moral character, have not been convicted of certain felonies and show that removal would create an undue hardship on the children.
There is hope
There are many people in California who face deportation each year. However, this does not mean that people will necessarily be removed from the country. There are defenses, and people may be eligible for removal cancellation. These are very complicated matters, though, and consulting with experienced attorneys could be helpful.
