{"id":352768,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/deportation-basics.html"},"modified":"2023-09-08T09:30:57","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:30:57","slug":"deportation-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/deportation-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Deportation and Removal: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Understanding Deportation and Removal: The Basics<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Deportation refers to the process of sending an individual back to their home country after a breach of specific laws or regulations. It begins when the Department of Homeland Security issues a Notice to Appear and asks an immigration judge to determine whether removal is legally justified.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The removal process usually begins when a person violates U.S. immigration laws\u00a0or commits certain crimes, such as\u00a0aggravated felonies.<\/p>\n

During proceedings, the respondent may challenge the charges and apply for relief. Many people choose to work with an immigration attorney<\/a> to understand their options.<\/p>\n

Deportation proceedings<\/a> don’t happen overnight. It consists of a series of court hearings that determine whether the respondent is removed from the U.S. Before deporting a respondent, the U.S. government, through its branches, must show that deportation is necessary under the Immigration and Nationality Act<\/a> (INA).<\/p>\n

The respondent can prove their eligibility to stay in the country and explore other forms of relief. This could be achieved by applying for:<\/p>\n