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San Francisco Deportation Defense Attorneys

Legal Guidance in Deportation Proceedings

If you or a family member are facing deportation (also called “removal”), there are many ways to have the removal order withheld or canceled. Although it may seem as though you have no options once removal proceedings have begun, an experienced deportation attorney can provide strategic support and guidance to help you fight to remain in the United States. Leveraging local and national legal frameworks, our deportation attorneys work diligently to identify tailored defense strategies.

At the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden, we have helped thousands of clients over the course of over 45 combined years practicing law. Our legal team acts swiftly to explore all available avenues of deportation defense in your particular situation. With a comprehensive understanding of immigration laws and their application in diverse scenarios, our deportation attorneys guide you through each stage of the process.


Call the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden today at (415) 300-2144 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our San Francisco deportation defense attorneys.

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Top Reasons for Deportation in San Francisco

Deportation can be initiated for various reasons, each demanding a strategic and personalized legal approach. Our San Francisco deportation attorneys are well-versed in handling cases related to:

  • Criminal Offenses: Conviction of certain criminal offenses, including but not limited to drug crimes, theft, or violent offenses, can trigger deportation proceedings.
  • Violating Visa Status: Overstaying a visa or engaging in activities not permitted by the visa category can result in deportation.
  • Immigration Fraud: Misrepresentation or fraudulent activities during the immigration process can result in serious consequences, including deportation.
  • Failure to Maintain Legal Status: Compliance with visa and immigration regulations is crucial. Failure to maintain legal status, such as unauthorized employment or neglecting required reporting, can prompt deportation proceedings.
  • National Security Concerns: Individuals deemed a threat to national security may face deportation.

What Is the Deportation Process?

Understanding the deportation process is pivotal to crafting an effective defense. 

The journey through deportation proceedings typically involves the following stages:

  • Notice to Appear (NTA): The process begins with the issuance of a Notice to Appear, outlining the reasons for deportation.
  • Master Calendar Hearing: A preliminary hearing where the individual appears before an immigration judge to establish legal representation and plead to the charges.
  • Individual Hearing: A more detailed hearing where evidence is presented, witnesses are called, and legal arguments are made.
  • Appeals: If necessary, our team is prepared to pursue appeals to challenge adverse decisions, exhaustively exploring legal avenues to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

What Are the Options for Deportation Relief?

As stated above, there are several ways to secure relief from deportation. One of the most common ways of halting deportation proceedings is securing cancellation of removal. In order to have a removal order canceled, you must meet certain requirements, including no criminal convictions. Extensive legal analysis and preparation are essential in demonstrating eligibility for this relief. 

To learn more about this option for relief, visit our Cancellation of Removal page.

Strategies to Combat Deportation in San Francisco

Facing deportation is stressful. If you came illegally to the country or have a green card but face deportation (because of convictions), it's important to consult a deportation defense lawyer.

The following are some other ways we can help you fight for your case and find deportation relief:

  • Asylum: In addition to the cancellation of removal, you may be able to have a deportation order withheld if you seek asylum or relief under the convention of torture. Eligibility requires demonstrating a significant risk of persecution or harm upon return to your home country.
  • Waiver: You may also be eligible for a waiver if you meet certain requirements. Typically, a waiver is appropriate if you have been convicted of a crime, have remained in the U.S. beyond your visa expiration date, or have been previously deported or removed. 
  • Voluntary Departure: You may also find relief through voluntary departure, whether before removal proceedings have been completed or after they are finished. This option may allow for future attempts at legal entry into the U.S. without enduring bars associated with forced removal.

For more information or to discuss your options with an experienced deportation attorney in San Francisco, call the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden today. We assist clients across the country from our offices in San Francisco and Sacramento and offer multilingual legal services. 

Navigating San Francisco's Immigration Courts

Understanding the intricacies of San Francisco's immigration courts is crucial for successful deportation defense. The courts here follow strict guidelines and schedules that can impact the outcome of proceedings. Familiarity with local procedures, such as how hearings are scheduled and the typical timeline for cases, can influence strategic planning. Building a relationship with the court’s staff and knowledge of specific judges’ preferences and historical rulings can also be advantageous.

At Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden, we stay updated on any changes within the San Francisco Immigration Court, ensuring that our clients’ cases reflect the most current protocols and legal standards. This local insight helps us anticipate challenges and opportunities in court, allowing us to craft more effective defense strategies. From filing motions to representing clients in hearings, our approach is informed by local expertise and a commitment to quality service.

Deportation Defense in San Francisco

Facing deportation is daunting, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our San Francisco deportation defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden are here to provide unwavering support and legal guidance. We understand the nuances of immigration law and are dedicated to protecting your rights throughout the deportation process. We are ready to assess your case, develop a strategic defense, and advocate passionately for your right to remain in the United States!


Contact Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden today to get started with our San Francisco deportation defense attorneys.


Commonly Asked Questions

Can Overstaying a Visa Lead to Deportation in San Francisco?

Yes, overstaying a visa or engaging in activities not permitted by the visa category can result in deportation proceedings. Seeking timely legal advice from a deportation attorney can significantly impact the outcome of such cases.

What Are the Consequences of Immigration Fraud in San Francisco?

Misrepresentation or fraudulent activities during the immigration process can result in serious consequences, including deportation. Comprehensive legal strategies focusing on verifying information and rectifying inaccuracies are essential in such situations.

How Can a Waiver Help in Deportation Defense?

A waiver may be appropriate if you have been convicted of a crime, overstayed your visa, or have been previously deported. Demonstrating eligibility involves assembling thorough documentation to convince adjudicating authorities that relief is justified.

Is Seeking Asylum a Viable Option for Deportation Relief?

Seeking asylum or relief under the convention of torture can be a way to have a deportation order withheld. It involves proving substantial threats to safety based on ethnicity, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

What Is the Role of a Deportation Defense Lawyer?

A deportation defense attorney can help navigate the deportation process, explore legal options, and advocate for your right to remain in the United States. They provide clarity on legal proceedings and strategize according to individual circumstances.

How Important Is Local Knowledge in Deportation Defense?

Local knowledge is crucial in deportation defense as it allows attorneys to understand the specific practices and tendencies of the local immigration courts. Awareness of local schedules, procedural preferences, and the particular approaches of judges can significantly impact case outcomes. This insight can aid in crafting persuasive motions, preparing appropriate evidence, and anticipating the court's needs, thus ensuring that the defense strategy is well-aligned with the local context. At Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden, our local experience contributes to a thorough understanding of these regional nuances, helping us to better advocate for our clients.

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