Understand the deportation process

Learn how the deportation process works and how to get help if you are facing deportation.

Deportation is the process of removing a noncitizen from the U.S. for violating immigration law.

The U.S. may detain and deport noncitizens who:

• Participate in criminal acts
• Are a threat to public safety
• Violate their visa

To find out if someone has a deportation order, check the Automated Case Information System managed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Enter the A-number to find the immigration court date or deportation order details. Find the 8- or 9-digit A-number in all Department of Homeland Security and Executive Office for Immigration Review correspondence.

What happens when someone is detained by immigration

The foreign national may be held in a detention center before trial or deportation. Find out how to locate someone detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

After ICE detains a noncitizen, they may go before a judge in immigration court during the deportation process. In some cases, a noncitizen is subject to expedited removal without being able to attend a hearing in immigration court. Expedited removal may happen when a noncitizen:

• Comes to the U.S. without proper travel documents
• Uses forged travel documents
• Does not comply with their visa or other entry document requirements

Learn more about deportation under an order of expedited removal.

Immigration court hearings and rulings

An immigration court of the DOJ hears the related case.

If a judge rules that the deportation should proceed, ICE carries out a removal order.

Before deportation, you might be able to leave the U.S. at your own expense. This is known as voluntary departure. Read how voluntary departure works.

Appeal or get help with a deportation order

You may appeal some deportation rulings.

• Before appealing the ruling, find legal services. You may also be able to find help from a nonprofit legal organization.
• For questions about filing an appeal, contact a USCIS office.

If you feel that your civil rights have been violated, learn how to file a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security.

What happens when someone is deported

The majority of removals are carried out by air at U.S. government expense. Others may use a combination of air and ground transportation. Learn more about how and where deportations are carried out.

Foreign nationals who have committed nonviolent crimes may be subject to Rapid REPAT. They can be released from prison to voluntarily return to their country of origin. Learn more about Rapid REPAT and its eligibility requirements.

Readmission to the U.S. after deportation or removal

Find out if you can apply for readmission to the U.S.

Contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to learn more about applying for readmission after deportation.

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