Will I Still Be Able to Work if I Am in Deportation Proceedings?

Some immigrants may be able to continue working even while they are involved in deportation proceedings. Given how long deportation proceedings can last, having the ability to work can be crucial for immigrants and their families. Whether a particular immigrant can working during deportation proceedings, however, depends on the situation. If an immigrant has raised certain defenses to removal, he or she may be able to obtain work authorization while the removal proceedings are pending. For example, if an immigrant is applying for asylum or withholding of removal, he or she likely can get work authorization during the court proceedings. Cancellation of removal is another form of relief that may permit work while the court considers the application. Likewise, adjustment of status proceedings may allow immigrants to work. Additionally, some special programs may have permitted immigrants to work for certain periods of time, such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The future of many of these special programs, however, remains uncertain under the new administration. Furthermore, even if an immigrant ultimately gains authorization to work during removal proceedings, he or she may have to undergo a waiting period before being able to work. This waiting period typically is to give the federal government time to ensure that an immigrant should be allowed to work, in that the immigrant presents no threat to national security. The government will do so by collecting certain demographic information from the immigrant, such as fingerprints and a criminal background check. When you or a loved one is facing deportation, you may face not only leaving behind the only home you have known for several years, but also the prospect of returning to a native country where violence, crime, and poverty are widespread. If asylum or another type of relief from deportation is potentially available to you, we will help you through the process of filing the claim or claims that are most appropriate for your situation. Our goal is to avoid deportation at all costs by developing a strong case on your behalf. Call Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., today at (510) 756-4468, or contact us online in order to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled and experienced deportation defense attorneys. The sooner you contact us, the better we can represent your interests in your deportation case.