DuPage County Removal Hearing Lawyers

Skilled Assistance for Immigrants Facing ICE Removal Hearings in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Throughout Illinois

Deportation/removal is the process by which the U.S. government determines whether non-U.S. citizens are deportable or inadmissible. Prior to April 1, 1997, there were two separate proceedings, known as "deportation" and "exclusion." On April 1, 1997, they were combined into one unified proceeding known as "removal." During this process, the individual is ordered to attend removal hearings, and failure to attend a hearing can trigger an automatic order to be removed. If you or a family member is subject to a removal proceeding, it is essential to speak with an experienced immigration attorney, so you understand your rights and options.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have several decades of experience helping immigrants with deportation and removal hearings in the Chicagoland area and throughout Northern Illinois. Our award-winning lawyers frequently represent clients in cases involving officials from U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and USCIS, and we have extensive knowledge of the inner workings of these agencies. We also have a strong criminal practice with former prosecutors and public defenders on our legal team. Our unique blend of experience gives us in-depth knowledge of criminal issues that affect immigration, how the two areas of law intertwine, and the most practical and effective defense strategies for clients facing removal proceedings.

How Removal Hearings are Initiated

There are several ways a removal proceeding can be initiated. Often, non-U.S. citizens first end up in ICE detention through phoned in tips, workplace raids, or run-ins with local law enforcement. In the latter case, an ICE hold may be placed on the individual, extending their length of time in police custody, providing ICE with a chance to investigate and decide if the individual is deportable or inadmissible. If ICE believes there is reason to begin proceedings, the individual is served with a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an immigration judge. After receiving the NTA, the individual may be released on an immigration bond, if eligible.

The NTA must inform the individual of:

• The nature of the hearing;
• The alleged grounds for deportability or inadmissibility;
• Their right to hire an attorney; and
• The consequences of failure to appear.

Please note, because removal is not technically a criminal proceeding, an attorney is not provided by the government, and you must retain one at your own personal expense.

Your first removal hearing is known as the Master Calendar Hearing. Before this hearing, it is extremely important to review your case thoroughly with your attorney to determine what legal basis you may have to remain in the U.S. If, after careful examination, your attorney determines that you have no legal basis for remaining in the United States, the best strategy may be voluntary removal, or VR, because it keeps your record free of a removal order. At the hearing, you will present your case to the judge, and your Individual Hearing (also known as a "Merits" Hearing) will be scheduled. At your Individual Hearing, you will be able to present evidence, call witnesses, and field questions from your attorney. You may also be cross-examined by an attorney for the government.

Contact Our Naperville ICE Removal Hearing Attorneys

Success in a removal proceeding is heavily dependent on the evidence presented and the strength of the legal arguments made on your behalf. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we put our experience to work examine all aspects of your case thoroughly and determine the best legal path to a positive outcome. For a free consultation with one of our skilled Illinois removal hearings attorneys, contact our office today at 630-932-9100.