Immigration Court & Deportation Defense
Being placed in removal proceedings is among the most serious immigration situations a person can face. The outcome — deportation from the United States — can mean separation from family and the life you have built here, and may carry bars to returning.
Removal proceedings are adversarial. The Department of Homeland Security is represented by a government attorney, and you have the right to be represented as well. The quality of that representation can significantly affect the outcome.
Ahmad & Associates represents individuals in immigration court across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Central Pennsylvania, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Our attorneys handle immigration court matters as a team, and founder Anser Ahmad has more than 20 years of experience in immigration court, including master calendar hearings, bond hearings, merits hearings, and appeals.
How removal proceedings work
Removal proceedings begin when the Department of Homeland Security files a Notice to Appear (NTA) with the immigration court. The process typically involves:
01 · Master calendar hearing
An initial appearance where the judge identifies the charges, takes pleadings, and schedules future hearings.
02 · Bond hearing (if detained)
A separate proceeding to determine whether you may be released from detention and on what conditions.
03 · Individual (merits) hearing
The hearing where you present your case for relief from removal and the government presents its case.
04 · Decision & appeal
The judge issues a decision. If removal is ordered, you may have the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Defenses and forms of relief
Being placed in removal proceedings does not mean removal is certain. Depending on your circumstances, relief may include:
- Cancellation of removal — for certain long-term residents with qualifying U.S. family members
- Asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture
- Adjustment of status — if you qualify for a green card through a pending petition
- Voluntary departure — which may preserve certain future options
- Waivers of inadmissibility for those who qualify
- Motions to terminate or suppress — challenges to the government’s charges or evidence
- Federal habeas corpus petitions — for immigrants arrested by ICE who are not eligible to be released by an immigration judge
Frequently asked questions
Ready to discuss your immigration matter?
Schedule a confidential consultation with Ahmad & Associates. We assist clients throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania, and represent clients nationwide before federal immigration courts. Multilingual assistance is available.
8000 Westpark Drive, Suite 630, McLean, VA 22102