Rhode Island Immigration Lawyers

Deportation and Removal Defense

The Deportation Defense Lawyers of The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc. represent clients facing immigration issues, including deportation, removal, and visa overstay's.

Regardless whether you are in the country legally or illegally, immigrants have certain rights under the law. When law enforcement officers or immigration officials fail to follow proper procedures or blatantly violate the law, a deportation or removal action can be challenged before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). At the Harrington Law Offices, our attorneys assert and protect the rights of immigrants in deportation and removal proceedings. We have the experience and knowledge needed to challenge deportation in cases involving criminal charges, criminal convictions, and visa expirations.

Our immigration defense team can represent you in every aspect of immigration trials. Our services include:

• Deportation & removal
• Exclusion
• Bond Hearings
• Immigration appeals
• Post Conviction Relief Proceedings

In a deportation case, our goal is the termination of proceedings or cancellation of removal. For clients on a visa or overstay status, our goal is the adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident. We have successfully terminated deportation proceedings and received orders of cancellation at immigration courts including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Boston, as well as throughout the United States. We have successfully helped our clients obtain lawful permanent residence or citizenship despite a visa overstay, an illegal entry or having a prior criminal record. For an example of cases handled by The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc., please see our results page.

Call the Deportation Defense Attorneys at The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc. at 401-421-1440 or EMAIL us today.
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One of the most stressful and frightening experiences a non-citizen and his or her family faces is the prospect of forced deportation from the United States. The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc. has been representing clients facing deportation for many different reasons. Defending the deportation requires experience in providing a proper and aggressive defense. Assistance is provided for cases were the deportation is based upon illegal entry, overstay or violation of visa, fraud and criminal conduct.

We use many strategies in defending the client. The following are examples:

• Filing for Registry or Legalization Temporary Protection Status
• Political Asylum Suspension of Deportation
• Cancellation of removal Withholding of deportation
• Termination of deportation Application for Waivers
• Adjustment of Status Voluntary Departure
• Citizenship Bond Hearings

Our representation in deportation proceedings may involve the preparation and presentation of an application for relief from deportation, removal or exclusion and the collection of related, supporting documents. At times, our representation may require an argument made either orally or through a written legal brief. We counsel our clients about what will happen during the immigration hearing, the strategies involved and ensure that they are properly prepared for their day in court.

At the immigration court hearing we present witnesses in support of the application for cases in which witnesses are appropriate, and assist a well-documented application to the judge. If an appeal is necessary, we prepare the appropriate legal brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Call the Deportation Defense Lawyers at The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc. at 401-421-1440 or EMAIL us today.
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The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc. guarantees that our lawyers will take the time to completely explain why we are pursuing a legal avenue on your behalf. We will explain the strengths and weaknesses of your legal matter from the beginning. We will regularly update you on your case. You will never complete a discussion with one of our attorneys and not have the answer to your question or a plan and timeframe to obtain the answer.

We are available to our clients twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. We frequently answer emails after hours, on weekends, and while on vacation. We love what we do and we love to win. We encourage you to consider a complimentary consultation, wherein you will notice, first hand, the professionalism, competence and dedication we have to offer in resolving your family court situation.

Results achieved by the immigration attorneys of The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc.:

• A client’s conviction for domestic assault in 2000 caught up with him 10 years later and placed him in removal proceedings in Florida. The client’s family had attempted to vacate the plea with another attorney but were unsuccessful. Attorney MacDonald was hired in April, 2011. A review of the plea colloquy showed that there were defects in violation of Rule 11 of the District Court Rules of Criminal Procedure. Post-conviction was filed in June, 2011 and granted in August, 2011. Client is now no longer subject to deportation and is now eligible to apply for citizenship.
  • Testimonial from client’s wife: “What for years other lawyers said would be a definite deportation, and even the one that dared to try couldn’t do, John Macdonald delivered! His personal touch and “can do” attitude ensured that my husband’s case be vacated in the Rhode Island courts even though we lived in Florida. He worked with us every step of the way and we are now more than ever sure that justice exists! John, you are the best, God put you in our path when hope was lost and you delivered, our family will be forever grateful as you have given us the opportunity to remain together! God Bless You!!” Lee F.
• A client’s 2001 conviction for felony assault recently placed her in removal proceedings. Since her sentence was two years suspended, the conviction constituted an aggravated felony under immigration law. Even though she had been trouble free for ten years, she was locked up at the Bristol County House of Correction. The family went to see several attorneys who told her that she would be deported. Attorney MacDonald was hired in July, 2011. Post-conviction was filed and granted within 3 weeks. Client is now released from detention and her removal case will be terminated.
• Client in removal proceedings based upon a 2005 conviction for a Rhode Island domestic assault. Client needed this plea vacated because he could not qualify for cancellation of removal. On May 12, 2011, both the plea and conviction were vacated based upon defects in the plea colloquy. On June 22, 2011, all criminal charges were dismissed by the City prosecutor at pre-trial and the client’s removal proceedings were terminated. Client is now eligible to pursue citizenship.
• Client is held for removal proceedings based upon two prior convictions for domestic assault. Both convictions vacated after post-conviction relief is granted. Client is released on bond and re-united with his family while a motion to terminate the case is pending.
• Client entered United States illegally at age of 9. After cancellation hearing, Immigration Judge grants permanent residence despite the presence of a criminal record.
• Client detained for deportation after overstaying student visa. Secured client's release on bond and after adjustment hearing, client granted permanent residence.
• Client detained after overstaying tourist visa. Secured client's release on bond and after adjustment hearing, client granted permanent residence.
• Client detained for deportation on fraud charges. Successfully vacated the fraud charge in state court and secured client's release from immigration custody. Filed and won the motion to terminate proceedings.
• Client detained for deportation on drug possession and domestic assault charges. Both charges vacated in state court and client released from immigration custody. Immigration proceedings terminated.
• Client detained for deportation on food stamp fraud and shoplifting charges. All charges vacated in state court and client released from immigration custody. Immigration proceedings terminated.
• Client fearful that four misdemeanor convictions could result in deportation. All charges vacated and dismissed. Client is now eligible for naturalization.
• Client detained after naturalization interview because of four prior domestic convictions. All convictions vacated and client released from immigration custody. Immigration proceedings terminated.
• Client detained for felony assault charge which took place five years prior. Client granted cancellation of removal after hearing and allowed to remain in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
• Client detained for aggravated felony conviction of 3rd Degree Sexual Assault.  Conviction vacated in state court and removal case terminated.
• Client represents himself in the Boston Immigration Court and is ordered deported for domestic assault conviction.  Family retains our services.  Conviction vacated in state court and removal case re-opened and terminated.
• Client represented by other counsel is ordered deported for a domestic vandalism conviction.  Family retains our services.  Conviction is vacated in state court and removal case re-opened and terminated.

Call the Deportation Defense Lawyers at The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc. at 401-421-1440 or EMAIL us today.
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