What to do next
Do not miss the hearing or the deadline
Failing to appear can result in an order being made without you present, which is far harder to undo than to contest properly in the first place. Note every date the moment you receive the notice.
Get immigration counsel urgently
In US immigration proceedings you have the right to counsel but generally at your own expense; low-cost and non-profit legal clinics exist in both countries. Do not rely on advice from non-lawyers charging for immigration help.
Identify possible relief
Depending on the facts, options may include appeals, applications to stay removal, humanitarian or protection claims, or applications based on family or length of residence. Which apply depends closely on your history.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be removed without a hearing?
Certain expedited processes exist, which is exactly why immediate legal advice matters. Do not assume you will automatically get a full hearing.
Do I get a free lawyer?
Generally not in immigration proceedings the way you would in criminal court. Non-profit clinics and pro bono programs exist in both countries and are worth contacting immediately.
Should I just leave voluntarily?
Sometimes voluntary departure has advantages, sometimes it forfeits relief you were entitled to. This is a decision to make with a lawyer, not alone.
Does having children or a spouse here help?
Family ties can be relevant to some forms of relief but are not automatically protective. How much they help depends on the specific route available to you.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by location and every situation is different — speak with a qualified lawyer about your specific circumstances.