Deportation Defense Attorney in Chicago
Facing deportation (removal) proceedings is one of the most stressful experiences in immigration law. At Liberum Law, our deportation defense attorneys in Chicago represent individuals in immigration court, fighting to keep families together and protect our clients’ right to remain in the United States.
Our deportation defense practice covers representation in removal proceedings before immigration judges, applications for relief from removal including cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, asylum and withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), bond hearings to secure release from immigration detention, motions to reopen and reconsider prior removal orders, appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and voluntary departure and prosecutorial discretion requests.
Every removal case is different, and the available defenses depend on your immigration history, criminal history, family ties, and length of residence in the United States. Our attorneys conduct a thorough evaluation of all potential relief options and develop the strongest possible defense strategy for your case.
Contact our deportation defense attorneys at Liberum Law immediately if you or a family member is facing removal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive a Notice to Appear (NTA)?
Contact an immigration defense attorney immediately. An NTA initiates removal proceedings; missing the hearing or failing to respond can result in an in-absentia removal order. Many NTAs contain technical defects that can be challenged. We typically arrange representation within days.
What are common defenses against deportation?
Adjustment of status, cancellation of removal, asylum/withholding/CAT, waivers (212(h), 212(i), 237(a)(1)(H)), suppression of evidence, prosecutorial discretion, voluntary departure. The right defense depends on your immigration history, family ties, criminal record, and country conditions.
What is cancellation of removal?
A form of relief for non-LPRs with 10+ years of continuous physical presence, good moral character, no disqualifying convictions, and exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child. Annual cap: 4,000 grants. LPR cancellation has different requirements.
Can I be detained during removal proceedings?
Yes — ICE can detain individuals during proceedings, especially after criminal arrests or in mandatory detention categories. We file bond motions to seek release where possible. Detention significantly complicates and accelerates removal cases.
How long do removal proceedings take?
Highly variable: 6 months to 5+ years depending on court backlog, complexity, and detention status. Detained cases move fastest. Some courts (NYC, San Francisco) have multi-year backlogs. We provide realistic timelines based on the assigned court.
