What Happens After You Receive a Deportation Order: 5 Steps to Take Immediately

If you or a family member has just received a deportation order, you may feel like the ground has dropped out from under you. The fear is real — but so are your options. A deportation order is not the end of the road. Across the United States, including in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, and Atlanta, immigrants successfully challenge removal orders every year with the help of an experienced deportation lawyer.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens after a deportation order is issued and — most importantly — what you can do about it.

What Is a Deportation Order?

A deportation order, formally called an "order of removal," is a decision issued by an immigration judge directing that a person be removed from the United States. It can be issued after a hearing in immigration court or, in some cases, without a hearing at all (this is called a "reinstatement of removal" or "expedited removal").

Receiving this document does not mean you will be on a plane tomorrow. In most cases, you have the right to appeal the decision and to remain in the country while your case is being reviewed — provided you act quickly.

Step 1: Contact a Deportation Defense Attorney Immediately

Time is the most critical factor after a removal order is issued. You typically have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing this deadline can permanently forfeit your right to challenge the order.

A deportation lawyer can review your case, determine whether grounds for appeal exist, and file the necessary paperwork before the deadline. Do not wait. Do not assume someone else will handle it. Call an immigration attorney as soon as you receive any removal-related document.

Step 2: Do Not Miss Any Immigration Court Dates

If you have a hearing scheduled, attend it — no matter what. Failing to appear in immigration court almost always results in an automatic "order of removal in absentia," which is far harder to overturn. Even if you are afraid, even if you do not understand what will happen, showing up is essential.

If you missed a prior hearing and already have an in absentia order, you may still have options, such as filing a motion to reopen your case. A deportation defense attorney can assess whether this is possible in your situation.

Step 3: Understand Your Right to Appeal

After an immigration judge issues a deportation order, you have the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. If the BIA rules against you, there may be a further right to appeal to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Appeals are complex legal proceedings, and the success of your appeal depends heavily on identifying errors in the original hearing — whether factual, legal, or procedural. This is why having a skilled removal defense lawyer by your side matters enormously.

Common grounds for appeal include:

• The immigration judge applied the wrong legal standard

• Important evidence was overlooked or excluded

• You were not properly notified of your hearing date

• New evidence has emerged that changes the outcome of your case

Step 4: Ask About Emergency Relief or Stays of Removal

Even after an appeal is filed, immigration enforcement can move quickly. If you face immediate removal, your attorney may be able to request a "stay of removal" — a temporary halt to your deportation while your case is being reviewed.

There are also forms of emergency relief that may apply depending on your situation:

• Withholding of removal — if you can show a clear probability of persecution in your home country

• Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection — if you face a serious risk of torture if returned

• Motions to reopen or reconsider — if new facts or legal arguments have emerged

These are not guaranteed — but they are real legal tools that a deportation immigration lawyer uses every day to protect clients.

Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents and Evidence

While your attorney manages the legal strategy, you can help your case by collecting key documents:

• Any visas, green cards, or immigration approvals you have received

• Evidence of how long you have lived in the United States

• Proof of family ties (marriage certificates, children's birth certificates)

• Records of community involvement, employment, and taxes paid

• Documentation of any fear or harm you would face if deported

• Letters of support from community members, employers, or religious leaders

The more thoroughly your life in the United States is documented, the stronger your case can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be deported while my appeal is pending?

In most cases, if you file an appeal with the BIA, your removal is automatically stayed (paused) while the appeal is being reviewed. However, this is not always the case — particularly for certain criminal convictions or expedited removal orders. Your attorney will advise you on whether a stay applies to your situation.

What if I cannot afford a deportation lawyer?

Immigration legal aid organizations exist in most major cities, including Philadelphia, Newark, New York, and Atlanta. Your attorney may also offer payment plans. At Fibi Law, we understand that many families facing deportation are under enormous financial pressure, and we work with clients to find a path forward.

How long does the deportation appeal process take?

Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals typically take many months — and in some cases, years. This process can be frustrating, but it is also an opportunity. The more time you have, the more you and your attorney can build your case.

What happens if I am detained by ICE during this process?

If you are taken into immigration custody, you have the right to request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. A bond hearing gives you the opportunity to argue that you should be released from detention while your case proceeds. See our guide on [immigration bond hearings](/blog/immigration-bond-hearing) to learn more.

How Fibi Law Can Help

Facing a deportation order is one of the most frightening experiences an immigrant family can go through. At Fibi Law, our team of experienced deportation defense attorneys has helped clients across Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, Atlanta, and the Bronx fight removal orders and protect their right to remain in the United States.

We understand the law — and we understand what is at stake for you and your family. Our team can review your case, explain your options, and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf. We do not make promises about outcomes, but we fight hard for every client.

If you or a loved one has received a deportation order, do not wait. Every day matters.

Contact Fibi Law today for a confidential consultation with a deportation lawyer who will stand with you. Visit our [deportation defense page](/deportation-defense) to learn more about how we work.