At US-ILC, we listen, we care, we deliver: Let our 89 years of combined experience help you to navigate the complexities of immigration law!
In fiscal year 2024, the Department of Homeland Security reported that over 700,000 noncitizens were removed and returned to their country of origin. While the Department of Justice determined which foreign nationals were to be removed, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was responsible for carrying out these removals. Many foreign nationals escaped removal simply because they were unaware that they were in deportation proceedings in the first place. This can happen for various reasons, such as the ones noted below.
Reasons Why Some Nonimmigrants Are Unaware They Are in Deportation Proceedings
• Failing to receive a Notice to Appear or other important appointment notice or case update due to change of address or other reason
• Being brought here as a minor who is unaware of their immigration status
• Inability to read and understand immigration notices and letters due to limited English language skills
• Having an immigration attorney who fails to provide important updates about notices and letters received
Some foreign nationals entered the U.S. without inspection and have never had any contact with the various immigration agencies. In those cases, they will not have alien numbers. However, if you are a foreign national who is the subject of an immigration case, such as an asylum application or marriage petition, an alien number will be assigned to you at some point. This alien number is the key to helping you determine if you are in deportation proceedings.
How You Can Determine If You Are in Deportation Proceedings
Many foreign nationals do not have reliable attorneys to keep them updated about their immigration status or court appointments. However, if you are a foreign national with an alien number, there are two other ways to find out whether you are in deportation proceedings.
• Deportation hotline – you can call the deportation hotline’s automated system at 1-800-898-7180. Enter your nine-digit alien number when prompted. The automated system will state your name and the date and time of any upcoming court hearing that may have been scheduled for you.
• Executive Office for Immigration Review online portal: Visit the EOIR online portal at https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/ and enter your Alien number in the boxes. If you are in removal or deportation proceedings, you will see updated information about your next hearing.
If you have discovered that you are in deportation proceedings, or you have questions about another immigration legal matter, contact U.S. Immigration Law Counsel for a strategy session to discuss your case.
