Being an immigrant can be one of the most difficult experiences ta person can experience, but in countries such as the United States there are different options that allow immigrants to legalize their status. One of these options is what is called cancellation of removal or deportation, which can help quite a large number of people.

What does cancellation of removal or deportation mean, exactly? Who can apply? How can you apply if you feel you can benefit from it? You must know that this process is a way to remain in the United States legally, as long as you meet all of the established requirements.

Residents and non-residents can apply. It is actually a lengthy and complex process that requires professional help because it takes place before an immigration court. We would be glad to help you if you have case like this.

As a matter of fact, not everyone can apply. Permanent residents and non-residents must meet very specific requirements. The good thing is that once your application is approved, you can become a legal permanent resident in the United States.

What is the role of the attorney?

The role of the attorney is crucial during cancellation of removal proceedings. For those who are not permanent residents, this situation tends to be more complicated since the US Government has set a limited amount of people who can apply every year. 

Each year, there are about 3,500 legal residence permits available. For this reason. hiring the services of an immigration lawyer who has experience in this kind of cases is extremely important since the case needs to be handled in a very careful and professional way. 

As part of the process, you will need to have the required documents needed and proof that can help you apply and win your case. It is the attorney who will be before the immigration judge to defend an application, and it is the latter who has the last word.

You must keep in mind that it is very important to find and immigration attorney who has the necessary experience in this kind of cases. Otherwise, you run the risk of being deported.

Generally speaking, the applicants (whether they are legal permanent residents or non-residents) must meet one very important requirement: prove that they have lived in the United States during at least 7 years (for legal permanent residents) or 10 years (for non-residents).

How does the cancellation of deportation apply to non-residents? 

It applies to non-residents when they have continuously lived in the United States for 10 years. They should have good moral fiber, and prove that deportation procedures could bring extreme and exceptionally unusual difficulties to their immediate relatives.

The evidence is then reviewed by an immigration judge who decides whether to dismiss or not removal proceedings. If he does decide to cancel the deportation proceedings, then the foreign citizen would be granted legal permanent residence in the United States.

There are so many benefits from a cancellation of removal or deportation, among which are: obtaining a green card, and along with it the right to legally work in the country without the need of an Employment Authorization Document.

Likewise, the person will be able to obtain government aid and a Social Security number.

When does it apply to Legal Permanent Residents?

It applies to legal permanent residents when they have continuously lived in the United States for 7 years, and have been convicted of a crime. In their case, the deportation process could start as a consequence for such acts.

It applies to the applicant as long as he or she has not been convicted of any crime during the first 5 years of their residence in the country. Of course, if you want to find out personally whether you, or more likely, someone you know qualifies or not for the cancellation of removal, you will need the help of an immigration lawyer.

If your application is successful and the judge approves your cancellation of removal or deportation, there will be a lot of benefits for you as a foreign citizen, and for every member in your family.

Another important aspect is that when you get legal permanent residence in the United States is that you will be a permanent resident  indefinitely, as long as you do not do anything against the law that regulates permanent residence in the United States.

What do you need to do to benefit from the ‘cancellation of removal or deportation’?

You must keep in mind that it is not possible to benefit from this process unless your are undergoing a deportation procedure. A requirement is that you personally fill a cancellation of deportation 42b form (for those who are undocumented immigrants) or a 42a form (for permanent residents).

You will have to pay for the corresponding fees to the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) which adds up to $185 for your biometric data to be collected.

Finally, with the help of an immigration attorney, you should analyze your case and prepare all the documents you need. Keep in mind that all the information you present must be legally valid, and the witnesses that go to court must tell the truth.

There are 2 things that can happen. Your application could be approved and you can become a legal permanent resident, and you could have to renew your residence every 10 years. Or if you already are a legal permanent resident, you can try to become an American citizen using the process of naturalization provided you meet all the requirements.

The other thing that could happen is that your application is denied. In that case, you would have to leave the country.

How can an undocumented immigrant prove that he or she has lived in the USA for 10 years?

For most immigrants, it is quite a difficult thing to do, but it is even more difficult for undocumented immigrants. In these cases, it is more complicated to prove, for example, that you have lived for 10 years in the United States, which is an important requirement for the cancellation of removal.

In order to prove it, it is recommended to have backup documents such as income tax proof, mortgage, cable TV, phone or other bills, or receipts from other financial institutions.

You must know that this application cannot be made by people who have come to the United States as part of an aircrew or ship crew or if you have remained in the country through exchange programs.

The same applies for those who have been victims of persecution or beneficiaries in the process of the cancellation of deportation.

In the case of people who have been victims of some kind of domestic violence, the abused spouse may apply for a cancellation of removal, whether he or she is a citizen or a permanent resident. This also benefits the children when they have also been victims of abuse.

Likewise, when the abused children of a citizen or a legal permanent resident, or the parent of a an abused child.

The requirements continue depending on your case, since in order for the process to be approved, the victim must have lived in the United States for 3 years, he or she must have good moral fiber, and not have been convicted of any crimes.

The applicant should also prove that his or her leaving the country will create a very difficult situation in their lives, and that of their relatives.