Are you in deportation proceedings? Do not face immigration court without an attorney.
If you received a Notice to Appear (NTA) or have a hearing in immigration court, there are defenses and forms of relief an attorney can evaluate in your case. Representation throughout the United States, in Spanish and English.
Evaluate your case
Tell us your situation. It is confidential.
What is removal defense?
When the government starts a deportation case (legally a "removal proceeding"), your case is decided before an immigration judge. It begins with a Notice to Appear (Form I-862), where the government explains why it believes you can be removed. Defense means responding to those charges and presenting the forms of relief you may qualify for. You have the right to an attorney at your own expense; in immigration court there is no free government-appointed lawyer.
Forms of defense an attorney can evaluate
Every case is different and eligibility depends on your immigration history. These are the most common options analyzed in court:
Cancellation of removal
For permanent residents or people with long presence who show exceptional hardship to a U.S.-citizen or resident relative.
Asylum, withholding and CAT
Protection for those who fear persecution or torture if they return. Asylum is generally filed within the first year, with exceptions.
Adjustment of status in court
In certain cases, someone with an approved family petition and available visa can request residency before the judge.
Waivers
Pardons that, in some cases, forgive certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability when there is a qualifying relative.
Voluntary departure
Lets you leave on your own and avoid some consequences of a removal order, if requirements are met and you depart on time.
Bond and detention
If a relative is detained, an attorney can review whether the case allows a bond hearing. Eligibility changed in 2025 and depends on each situation.
How the court process works
Notice to Appear (NTA)
The government files the document that starts your case with the court. Keep every document and note every date.
Initial hearing (Master Calendar)
A short hearing where you respond to the charges, state which defense you will pursue, and receive deadlines.
Preparing your relief application
Evidence, declarations and supporting documents are gathered and filed within the judge's deadlines.
Individual (merits) hearing
The trial of your case: you present testimony and evidence, and the judge decides whether to grant the relief.
Decision and appeals
If the decision is unfavorable, in most cases there are 30 days to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Deadlines are short.
How long does it take?
Timelines vary a lot by court and case type. Immigration courts have a very large backlog, so a case can take several years from start to the final hearing.
As of mid-2026 there were about 3.2 million pending cases in immigration courts (source: TRAC, Syracuse University). The figure changes constantly; your attorney can give you an estimate based on your court.
Why Zavala Law Group
Immigration is a federal matter, so we represent cases throughout the United States. We are a 100% remote, bilingual firm: you can work with us from wherever you are, in Spanish or English. Attorney Salomón Zavala directs your case together with our immigration team, and we offer payment plans so cost is not the obstacle.
Frequently asked questions
Your first step is a confidential evaluation
Tell us your situation and our immigration team reviews it with you. The sooner, the more options.
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