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Removal Defense / Immigration Court

Are you or a loved one facing deportation? Are you looking to reunite with your family members in the U.S.? Are you an individual looking to immigrate to the United States for safety reasons? The RHC team is here to help. Immigration law can be complicated and confusing, but working with our attorneys will simplify the immigration process.  

At RHC, we begin every case with an in-depth consultation in order to determine which immigration benefits a client may qualify for and what potential issues could arise during the case.

Our Areas of Practice

Asylum

Are you searching for an asylum lawyer in San Antonio, TX? Look no further than Rivera Hernandez Campos PLLC. Those seeking asylum in the United States, if granted, will have protection provided by the government. 

Each and every year, thousands of people apply for asylum in the hopes of being approved for the various protections and benefits available to people with asylum status.

It’s important to know that applying for asylum can be a complicated and difficult process. The rules and requirements for obtaining asylum status change all the time. That is why it’s crucial to hire an experienced, attentive asylum lawyer who can be there for you each step of the way. Our lawyers will guide you through the process from beginning to end and will fight for you each step of the way.

Requirements for Seeking Asylum

In order to be approved for asylum, the asylum seeker must be able to prove that they are facing persecution (or a threat to his/her life) on account of their religion, race, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

If you came to the United States illegally or have overstayed your entry, you may still apply for asylum as long as you are already in the country. 

If you have more questions about seeking asylum, including who may not be eligible, how it works if you have children, or anything else, please feel free to call our office.

The Benefits of Asylum Status

People who are approved for asylum status have access to certain benefits, including:

  • Work Authorization – Once you are granted asylum, you are given work authorization, which means you are able to work and make money.
  • Social Security Card – Once you are granted asylum, you may apply for a Social Security card. The government will issue you a card so you are able to open a bank account, apply for a loan, etc. It is the most important personal identification number for those living in the country.
  • Green Card – After 12 months of being granted asylum, you will then be able to apply for a green card (which is permanent residence status). Green card holders may apply for citizenship after 5 years (the first year as an asylum counts towards the 5 years).
How an Asylum Attorney Can Help You

While there is no requirement to seek out an attorney to assist with applying for asylum, we strongly recommend it. The asylum application process is ever-changing, which makes it an extremely complicated legal matter. The system is managed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, who have control over what forms and information are needed. 

The best chance for approval comes when you hire a skilled asylum lawyer to help you to ensure eligibility, review your application, assist in completing all necessary documentation, and present your case. RHC Law can help in all of these areas, as well as helping you prepare for your interview. 

Even if an applicant is approved for asylum, there are careful steps that must be followed to ensure that they remain protected until they become a U.S. citizen. Our associates will be there for you throughout the entire process. We aim to provide our clients with the best possible chance of being granted asylum, and we’re prepared to review your case. If you or someone you know is in the process of applying for asylum, contact RHC Law.

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Deportation Defense

We’ll Help You Navigate the Deportation & Removal Process

Our deportation lawyers understand that being removed from the place you call home is a scary thought, but for many immigrants it’s a harsh reality. Since immigration law is complicated, legal representation plays a significant role in whether or not a client will win or lose a case. Deportation proceedings are more common in Texas than any other state, and it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable deportation lawyer to ensure you fully understand the law. The deportation process involves many steps starting with an arrest. Local or federal law enforcement can arrest individuals suspected of entering the United States illegally. Then these individuals are transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

If an individual entered the U.S. illegally or overstayed his or her visa, they can be deported through the expedited removal process. This only applies if the individual was arrested within 100 miles of U.S. borders and if they’ve been in the U.S. two weeks or less.

Individuals who don’t go through the expedited removal process begin the traditional immigration court process. Illegal aliens are usually detained, or they can be released by posting bond. Then a hearing before an immigration judge is scheduled. With the RHC team on your side, our deportation lawyers will work hard to put you in the best position in your case.

You Need a Proven Deportation Defense Attorney On Your Side

All in all, the deportation process is complex, confusing, and scary. Luckily, our team of deportation lawyers advocate for clients who are in the process of being removed from the United States and have a deep understanding of the law and what’s involved in developing a strong deportation defense.  Our attorneys will petition for a client’s release whether that’s with immigration detention officers or in front of an immigration judge. We also prepare deferred action requests and advocate for the cancellation of removal proceedings. If you or a loved one is facing deportation, legal representation from our experienced deportation lawyers can make a huge difference. There are several ways to stop deportation, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, marriage to a U.S. citizen, or a relative-related petition. 

For some immigrants, returning to their home country can be dangerous. If this is the case for you or your loved one, reach out to our team of deportation lawyers. You may qualify for asylum, if you would face persecution upon return to your home country. Let us make the strongest argument possible in your case by preparing all necessary documents and witnesses for your court hearing. If you or a loved one needs legal representation in San Antonio, call us today and set up a consultation with one of our deportation lawyers. 

Preparing for Your Deportation Hearing

What are your rights?

If you are facing deportation, you have the right to a lawyer, but you must hire one, as the government does not provide one. Removal proceedings can be complicated and may involve three to ten hearings, which is why having legal representation is important. 

During your case, you and your deportation lawyer have the right to provide evidence, bring witnesses, and provide documents to support your case. You have the right to review all evidence and must be given a copy of all evidence. If you disagree with the decision the judge makes, you have the right to file an appeal. 

What are your responsibilities?

It is important that you attend your scheduled court hearing. If you fail to appear, you will be ordered to be removed and a warrant for your arrest will be issued. If there is a scheduling conflict, you can ask to postpone the case. However, you must get an order from the court with a new hearing notice. If you missed the hearing due to an accident or other emergency, you must file a motion to reopen your case. This must be done within 90 days of your original court hearing and you must bring evidence as to why you missed the hearing. 

You must report address changes within five days as you will receive notices by mail. Also, it is very important to follow the deadlines given. If you fail to meet deadlines, the judge could drop your case, and have you removed. 

What can you expect to happen at court?

During the court proceeding, it is important to stick to the truth, always be polite, and speak loud enough to be heard. Our deportation lawyers recommend that you should come prepared and be dressed looking your best. The following are steps that occur during deportation hearings:

  • Arrive at the courthouse 
  • Judge will review documents
  • Take a seat on the witness stand
  • Attorney will ask you questions, judge may ask for clarification
  • Department of Homeland Security attorney will ask questions
  • Witnesses will be able to testify on your behalf
  • Final statements will be made 
  • Judge will make a decision

If you have questions about the deportation hearing process, please give our deportation lawyers a call. We proudly provide service to clients throughout the San Antonio, TX area.

Call Our Deportation Lawyers Today to Schedule a Consultation