Whichever route you took to get to the U.S., legal or otherwise, it likely took a lot of time, effort, money and hardship. If the authorities threaten you with deportation, you will need to fight hard to ensure your sacrifice was not in vain.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website states they deported 185,884 people last year. It says 92% of those it removed had “criminal convictions or pending criminal charges.” It does not specify what the crimes or alleged crimes were. Remember, you can pick up a criminal conviction for a host of things that do not suggest you are a danger to society. Being accused of a crime also does not make you guilty. In fact, U.S. law holds that you are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
You need to deal with the threat of deportation, not hide from it
Time is of the essence when faced with deportation. If the immigration authorities issue you a Notice to Appear, you need to turn up on the appointed day and defend yourself. It is not something you should do alone. It requires a deep knowledge of immigration law and criminal law if the authorities use criminal allegations to justify deportation. ICE will fight hard to find legal justifications for their request, so you need to do the same to stay.
The ICE website does not show how many people successfully overcame deportation orders. It does not want you to think you have a chance. Yet, there is always a chance if you have the proper support. You may be able to overturn the criminal charges on which the deportation is based. You may be able to claim asylum or change your immigration status. Understanding all the options available is crucial to finding the best defense solution and avoid deportation.