Receiving a threat of deportation and removal can be a terrifying experience. It’s especially scary if you have loved ones you need to look after. As immigration laws continue to tighten, the numbers of deportations are expected to rise.

It doesn’t matter what your reasons for being deported are. What’s important is that you hire a deportation lawyer and find the best course of action to take.

Get Everything In Writing

Make sure you have everything in writing. You will need bank statements and employer information, for instance. Other documents include birth certificates and copies of child benefit applications if you have children.

If you haven’t been in the country long, getting evidence should be easy. However, if you lived in the country for a while, it could take some preparation. Make sure everything is organized and up-to-date for your deportation lawyer.

Organize Your Finances

Organize your finances for yourself and your family. Set up a separate account for any family member who may be left behind. Talk to your bank about setting up these funds if you face deportation.

Open the account in your name. You may be able to use it later if you are able to stay in the country or if the government revokes your immigration order.

Hire A Trusted Deportation Lawyer

Know your rights. You may want to speak with a lawyer, even if you don’t plan to fight your deportation. There are certain factors such as if you have no papers, you committed a crime, or you have an old immigration order.

Your lawyer can talk to you about your options. You may need to apply for a u-visa, adjust your immigration status, or apply for cancellation. However, the legal process can take time. A trusted lawyer will make the most of this time by letting you know about your options to allowing you to stay in the country.

Hire someone who specializes in deportation. Many attorneys are not familiar with the immigration law. Also, most immigration lawyers don’t understand deportation.

Get all the information about your lawyer. Get a copy of every document your lawyer files. Get a written contract before you agree to pay your lawyer.

Your lawyer should give you a “retainer agreement.” Read it thoroughly and carefully. Ask anything you do not understand.

Speak To Your Family

Communicate with your friends and family about your situation. Tell them your plans for when the deportation takes place. As previously mentioned, give them access to your funds and belongings.

Maybe you want to leave something of sentimental value behind like antique jewelry. Unless your deportation lawyer works in your favor, you may be able to contact your loved ones from the country you are being deported to.

Make sure your family has a copy of your immigration papers. Get your deportation officer’s name and telephone number to pass off to your loved ones.

Stay with someone while as you make plans. Follow this plan through. It will be easier on your loved ones if the deportation does go through.

Make A Record Of Your Arrest

A police officer can send you to immigration if you committed a crime. You may also face arrest if you have an old deportation order.

You can get arrested anywhere. It may happen at your home, at the airport, or at the border. It can also happen if you leave the country and try to re-enter.

If a police officer arrests you:

• Ask for a warrant. You have a right to see this document if they enter your home. Make note of when they arrive and if they enter other areas.
• Record the police officers who arrested you. Get their names, agency (FBI, ICE, INS, NYPD, etc.) and badge numbers. Locate this information on the officers’ uniforms or cars.
• Stay quiet and don’t answer any questions. Only give your name to the police officer. Either say nothing or say, “I need to speak with a deportation lawyer first.”
• Do not give more information such as where you born, how you came to the country or your immigration status. If you say anything, the government may deport you quicker.
• Do not agree to a guilty plea. Speak to a deportation lawyer only. Defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and immigration attorneys are not usually familiar with the deportation process, according to Families For Freedom.
• Give your family your immigration number. You can usually find it on your immigration papers. It’s an eight-digit number that starts with an A.

If you need a lawyer, don’t hire just any attorney. Most don’t understand the deportation process or the conviction for immigration. Do your research. Learn the immigration process, and then speak with a qualified attorney.

If you are facing deportation, hire a White Plains deportation defense team today. Contact us at 914-358-5200.