Deportations in 2012 Highest Ever: ICE

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that deportations in 2012 numbered 400,000 illegal immigrants which is the highest number ever recorded. The majority of the deportations at 55 percent were those involving illegals with criminal convictions. At the end of last year, the federal agency also issued revised guidelines concerning detaining illegal immigrants. The new guidelines involve bringing legal action against those who have committed criminal offenses other than violating immigration laws.

Any foreign national who wishes to legally remain in the U.S., whether under a family visa, employment visa, or green card, must not have committed any crime involving "moral turpitude." Moral turpitude refers to a gross violation of moral conduct or actions which are considered to violate the greater good of others. Examples of moral turpitude would include crimes of rape, robbery, and forgery. Conviction of such crimes makes an individual inadmissible for immigration purposes under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Examples of crimes of moral turpitude listed by the State Department include trafficking in controlled substances, prostitution and commercialized vice, human trafficking, and money laundering. Deportation proceedings typically begin when an alien receives a Notice to Appear which contains allegations against the person in regards to his or her immigration status after which the case proceeds to a hearing before an immigration judge.

Immigration Attorney in San Diego, California and Houston, Texas

Anyone facing a deportation will need the services of an experienced immigration lawyer if they wish to challenge their removal from the United States. You will not be provided with an attorney by the immigration court; it is up to you to find representation by an attorney when appearing before any removal hearing. You may be eligible to apply for relief from deportation, which your attorney can help you file.

Guerra & Johnson, P.C. is an immigration law firm serving clients in San Diego as well as Houston with more than 20 years of focused and knowledgeable legal service. The attorneys at the firm represent both individuals and corporations in all facets of immigration law. They are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which keeps them up to date with changes in the law and procedure. Because they focus their practice solely on the field of immigration, you can be assured that you will be receiving the highest level of legal advocacy concerning your immigration issue. Contact their offices to learn more and to get started with resolving your legal matter at your earliest convenience.