Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be difficult and expensive at the best of times. However, if you entered the United States illegally or overstayed a visa, you are now in a particularly tough situation. Even if you have lived in the U.S. for years, got married, worked, and had children here, you could be caught by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at any time and find yourself facing a deportation order. If you find yourself in this type of situation, you must seek help from an experienced and trustworthy immigration attorney. 

In recent months, there have been many news reports of undocumented residents who have been deported and of others who have successfully fought their deportation. What makes for a successful deportation defense?

One option is called Cancellation of Removal. 

Receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) before a U.S. immigration court can be frightening for a non-citizen, because it is the first step in the deportation process, also known as removal proceedings.

Not everyone who receives a Form I-862 NTA will be deported. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to argue that the charges are not serious enough to require removal or that your deportation would create an extreme hardship for a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. There are many other possible defenses as well.

Still, it is important to take an NTA seriously. You must determine exactly what you are charged with and start working on a defense strategy.

Receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court for removal (deportation) proceedings can be very frightening. An NTA means that you have been accused of breaking a law and that a judge is going to decide whether you should be deported from the United States. 

Be assured, however, that not every NTA results in a deportation. Here are three things to do if you receive an NTA:

1. Check the Accuracy of the Notice to Appear in Immigration Court 

The NTA will state: