Removal defense
A Notice to Appear starts proceedings in immigration court. Missing a hearing can result in a removal order issued in your absence, so the first step is always confirming your hearing date and address on file.
If you or someone you love is facing deportation, get advice before the next deadline or hearing. Our deportation defense lawyers represent Nashville and Middle Tennessee families in immigration court, including the Memphis Immigration Court, which hears most Tennessee cases, and in courts nationwide: bond hearings, applications for relief, appeals, and motions to reopen.
Bond hearings
If a family member is detained, we move quickly for a bond hearing and prepare the evidence of ties and lack of danger that judges look for.
Cancellation of removal and adjustment in court
Long-term residents and those with U.S. citizen or resident family may qualify for cancellation of removal. Some clients can adjust status before the immigration judge instead of through USCIS.
Appeals and motions to reopen
We handle appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals and motions to reopen old orders, including in-absentia orders where notice was never received.
How a case works with us
- Confirm the caseWe check the Notice to Appear, the next hearing date, and the address the court has on file, so nothing is missed.
- Find the reliefWe review your history and family to identify defenses and forms of relief, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status.
- Build the recordApplications, evidence, witnesses, and legal briefing for the judge.
- Hearings and afterWe represent you at master calendar and individual hearings, and handle appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals if needed.
Common questions
What happens if I miss my immigration court hearing?
The judge can order you removed in your absence. If you missed a hearing because you never received notice, or because of exceptional circumstances, a motion to reopen may be possible, but there are strict deadlines, so contact a lawyer right away.
Can a detained family member get out on bond?
Many people detained by ICE can ask an immigration judge for a bond hearing, where the judge considers whether the person is a flight risk or a danger. Some people are held under rules that do not allow bond, so we check that first.
What is cancellation of removal?
It lets an immigration judge end a removal case and grant a green card. Green card holders and others have different requirements. For someone without a green card it generally requires 10 years in the U.S., good moral character, and exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.
Where are Tennessee immigration court cases heard?
Most Tennessee cases are heard by the Memphis Immigration Court, and some hearings take place by video. Your hearing notice lists the court and whether you must appear in person.
General information, not legal advice for your case. Every situation is different; a consultation confirms what applies to you.
Forms and categories we handle here
Related news
Your attorneyMichael SmallboneLicensed in Tennessee. Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law, Nashville School of LawReady to talk to an attorney?
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