Your Rights

• You have the right to appeal a deportation order, unless you choose to waive your hearing, sign a Stipulated Removal Order, or accept voluntary departure.
• You have the right to legal counsel; however, the government is not required to provide you with an attorney. If you do not have representation, you may request a list of free or low-cost legal service providers.

What to do if you are arrested?

• If you are informed that you do not have the right to appear before an immigration judge, it is crucial that you seek legal advice immediately. In some circumstances, a person may not qualify for a hearing before an immigration judge. However, if you receive this information, insist on consulting with an attorney, since immigration officers may overlook certain exceptions or fail to inform you about them.
• If you fear being persecuted or tortured in your home country, communicate this to an officer and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Expressing this fear may grant you additional rights.