Area of Practice

Deportation,
Exclusion &
Removal

Deportation Defense Lawyers

Defend Your Right to Stay in the U.S. with Proven Legal Strategies

Facing removal from the United States is a deeply unsettling experience. Deportation proceedings can tear families apart, uproot lives, and create long-term legal barriers to reentry. At Herman Legal Group, we bring decades of experience to the defense of immigrants facing deportation. We understand the stakes and will fight relentlessly to protect your legal status, freedom, and future in the U.S.

Whether you are already in removal proceedings or have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it is critical to act quickly. Our seasoned deportation defense attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and build a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

Common Reason for Deportation

Non-citizens may face deportation for a wide range of reasons, many of which are misunderstood or not obvious at first. The most common grounds for removal include:

  • Criminal convictions, including certain misdemeanors, DUIs, or aggravated felonies.
  • Overstaying a visa or violating the terms of a visa (e.g., unauthorized work).
  • Entrepreneurs and investors
  • Entry without inspection or using fraudulent documents to enter the U.S.
  • Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a visa or green card.
  • Failure to update USCIS with address changes, which can lead to missed court hearings and in absentia orders of removal.

Each case is unique, and not all grounds for deportation mean automatic removal. In many cases, legal defenses or waivers may apply.

How The Deportation Process Starts

It usually begins when a non-citizen is caught in the U.S. without proper documents, is alleged to have violated the terms of their green card or visa, or is alleged to have committed crime. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), may arrest you for deportation or begin immigration removal proceedings due to many reasons including status violation, criminal conviction, or unlawful entry.

 

As an immigrant, you will likely be served a Notice to Appear (NTA) from ICE explaining why you are being ordered to appear in court. You have a right to have an attorney represent you in court and it is extremely important that you hire an experienced deportation lawyer in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit or whatever city you will need representation. Unlike U.S. citizens who are entitled to free legal representation, immigrants need to pay for their legal fees. An immigration lawyer’s fees are a necessary cost needed to develop a defense strategy, preserve your rights, and present the very best case possible to achieve a desirable outcome.

 

During removal proceedings, your case will be presided by and determined by a judge who will hear arguments from your immigration attorney and the U.S. Immigration Services. There are several types of relief from removal that may allow you to stay in the United States. The immigration attorneys at Herman Legal Group can advise on your best options which could be cancellation of removal or an adjustment of status.

What to Expect During Immigration Court Proceedings

Removal cases begin with a Notice to Appear (NTA) issued by the Department of Homeland Security, which lists the reasons for your deportation. You’ll then be required to attend immigration court hearings, which typically include:

 

  • Master Calendar Hearings – Procedural hearings where you appear before a judge, confirm personal information, and respond to allegations.
  • Individual Hearings – Full hearings where evidence and witnesses are presented, and your lawyer will argue for relief or cancellation of removal.

It is essential to have experienced legal counsel who can challenge the government’s claims, present strong legal arguments, and defend your right to remain.

Relief Options That Can Stop Deportation

Depending on your background, immigration history, and family ties, you may be eligible for one or more forms of relief from deportation:

 

  • Immigration Bond Representation
    If a loved one is detained by ICE, we can request a bond hearing to secure their release. We work quickly to prepare bond packets with supporting evidence and advocate for fair bond amounts.

     

  • Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection
    If you fear persecution, torture, or threats to your life or freedom in your home country, we can build a compelling asylum case based on your personal story, country conditions, and supporting documents.

     

  • Cancellation of Removal (EOIR-42A / 42B)
    Long-time residents, whether lawful permanent residents or undocumented immigrants, may qualify for cancellation based on continuous residence, good moral character, and extreme hardship to U.S. citizen family members.

     

  • Adjustment of Status
    Some individuals may be eligible to apply for a green card through a qualifying family relationship or employer—even while in removal proceedings.

     

  • Waivers and Prosecutorial Discretion
    We pursue waivers for inadmissibility (such as I-601 or I-212) and explore administrative options like administrative closure or prosecutorial discretion where appropriate.

We Handle Complex Deportation Cases Involving Criminal Charges

Many deportation cases stem from or overlap with criminal issues. If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime, your immigration status could be in jeopardy. Our attorneys are well-versed in “crimmigration” — the intersection of criminal and immigration law — and can evaluate the consequences of your charges, help vacate old convictions, or build a strategy to keep you from being deported.

 

We work closely with criminal defense attorneys or directly manage both legal fronts to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Strategic and Compassionate Legal Defense

At Herman Legal Group, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We know that your story, your family, and your dreams are unique. That’s why we offer:

 

  • Custom defense strategies tailored to your eligibility for relief.
  • Preparation and representation at every stage — from ICE interviews to final hearings.
  • Support for detained clients, including same-day legal visits and emergency motions.
  • Multilingual services, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and more.

What is Asylum?

Individuals who come to the U.S. seeking protection from prosecution, or feared persecution, may apply for asylum status. The persecution in question must be due to race, nationality, religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. If eligible, you may be permitted to remain in the U.S.

Being granted political asylum in the U.S.A. allows you to:

  • Work in the U.S. without an Employment Authorization Document
  • Obtain a Social Security Card
  • Apply for permanent residency after one year
We can assist with Affirmative Asylum by submitting Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal. If you are already in removal proceedings, we may be able to submit a Defensive Asylum with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Herman Legal Group Offers

Our law firm handles every phase of the Deportation, Exclusion and Removal process with accuracy and efficiency:

Why Herman Legal Group?

Extensive Experience

Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Expertise

Aggressive Advocacy

Vigorous Representation for Your Rights

Trusted Experts

Deep Knowledge and Strong Trial Background

Top-Rated Excellence

AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Proven Track Record

Tens of Thousands of Satisfied Clients

Multilingual Team

We Speak Over 12 Languages

Exceptional Value

Competitive Fees and Volume Discounts

Global Reach

Serving Clients in All 50 States and Worldwide

Book Your Consultation

Honest Advice. Multilingual Team. Decades of Experience. Get the Clarity and Support you Deserve.

Contact us

Head Office OH

408 West Saint Clair Avenue, Suite 230 Cleveland, OH 44113

Phone Number

+1-216-696-6170

Email Address

richardtmherman@gmail.com

FAQS

Help & Support FAQs

Our Help & Support FAQs section is designed to answer your most common questions quickly and clearly. You’ll find step-by-step guidance, useful tips, and solutions to common issues all in one place. It’s the fastest way to get the help you need without waiting for support. Explore the FAQs to save time and get back to what matters.

Deportation and removal generally refer to being formally sent out of the U.S. for violating immigration laws, while exclusion applies to being denied entry at the border or a port of entry.

Yes. You may be able to challenge the order through an immigration court hearing, appeals, or by applying for certain forms of relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal.

Ignoring a removal order can result in immediate detention, forced removal, and long-term bans from reentering the U.S., making it much harder to return legally.The PERM process can take 6–12 months or more, including recruitment, audit risks, and processing time by the Department of Labor.

An experienced immigration attorney can review your case, identify possible defenses, represent you in court, and file the necessary applications or appeals to protect your rights.