Guide to Legal Help Against Deportation in Los Angeles

If you’re at risk of deportation removal, there is one way to help your case in Immigration Court. Before your hearing, an immigration attorney in Los Angeles would recommend bringing a witness to boost your case. By having a witness speak on your behalf, the Immigration Judge will have more context to substantiate your claims and stall deportation.

You or a loved one have worked hard to get to the United States. In doing so, you’ve waited long months to hear back from the USCIS regarding your visa status and journeyed between countries to start a new life. Having a credible witness can significantly help your case. Here’s how.

A Great Witness Is What You Need in Immigration Court

You only have limited chances in court to prove your case. There are a few things that can help sway the Immigration Judge’s initial verdict. A good witness should do the following:

• Arrive to court early or on time
• Dress professionally and nearly to appease the court
• Show up with confidence regarding your case and application for immigration relief
• Have a solid relationship with you to certify their credibility as a witness

Usually, your deportation and defense attorney in LA would recommend bringing in a witness. It is applicable in most but not all cases. Simply bringing an extra person in the room can hurt your chance of being granted relief. Individual hearings are typically lengthy – and government attorneys and judges have limited patience for hundreds of cases they see daily.

Witnesses should prepare for any questions that challenge the immigrant in question’s ability to remain in the U.S. If they don’t have all the details regarding your removal proceedings, crimes you may have committed, or unsuspected violations, it won’t do you any good.

At our law offices of immigration in Los Angeles, we can advise and help them prepare for any inquiries a judge or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) might throw their way.

How Helpful Are Material Witnesses for Your Immigration Case?

During your merit hearing, material witnesses must corroborate your testimony and establish you have good moral character. Witness testimony is vital because the judge will be assessing why you should or shouldn’t get deported.

The best candidates are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, city employees, professors, and other experts. Immigrants who arrive fleeing from war or persecution come to the U.S. without a visa. We understand your urgency – and in such asylum cases, material witnesses can share your concerns of persecution or fear. However, the claim must prove that the persecution stems from your race, religion, political affiliation, or nationality.

Suppose you face deportation for arriving in the U.S. to escape racial persecution in your country of origin. In that case, a police officer can testify that you’ve come forward and confirmed to know about your experience. If you know someone with a similar account granted asylum, allow them to share their own experience about the conditions they’ve endured alongside yours.

The court and jury might not be aware of what is happening in your country of origin nor understand the full extent of your experiences. Experts like a professor can explain why you might be applying months after arriving in the U.S. or why you missed a critical deadline. Additionally, a removal proceedings immigration lawyer in Los Angeles would tell you that any of these factors can significantly influence your case.

Submitting Witness Lists Before Your Date

Immigrants facing deportation will receive a “call-up date” 10 to 30 days beforehand. A deportation lawyer must help you retrieve all supporting documentation before your hearing. You must also meet the following requirements to bring on a witness:

• Submit a list before your hearing (not everyone has to testify)
• Include the witness’s full name, title, and relationship to you
• If the witness is an expert, make sure to list their professional history and qualifications.
• Witnesses who are unable to make it to your hearing can submit a motion to testify via telephone. A copy must go to the DHS trial attorney as well ten days before your date.

If you have any questions about removal proceedings or bringing on a witness to testify, give us a call at 323-622-1764 or email info@greylaw.com.

About Grey Law Immigration

At Grey Immigration, the values of integrity, honesty, commitment, and results are at the foundation of our firm.

David Grey provides experienced representation to safeguard your rights through the immigration process. Whether it is advice, assistance with visa applications, or resolving an issue stalling your citizenship, we are here to help. At Grey Law, we strive to help clients through complex processes for positive results.