What Is the Difference Between Deportation and Removal?
The terms “deportation” and “removal” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in U.S. immigration law. Deportation is an older term that referred to removing a non-citizen from the country for violating immigration laws. Today, the official term is “removal,” which was introduced in 1996 to unify deportation and exclusion processes into a single legal framework.
Removal proceedings apply to both individuals who entered the United States legally and those who did not. During these proceedings, an immigration judge determines whether a person must leave the country or may qualify for relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal.
Understanding these terms is important for anyone facing immigration challenges. At Lively Law Firm, we help immigrants across the United States navigate removal proceedings and explore available legal options.
