Services – Removal Defense

Removal Defense: Representation in Immigration Court

If you have received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court or are already in removal proceedings, acting correctly from the very beginning is critical. Mistakes or missed deadlines can have irreversible consequences.


Removal proceedings are one of the most complex and stressful experiences for an immigrant and their family. Attorney Oksana Sakhniuk and the My USA Immigration team provide full legal representation at every stage of the court process — from the first hearing to the final decision.

Judge's gavel — removal defense in immigration court

Our Services in Immigration Court

We provide a full range of removal defense services. Below is a detailed description of each type of assistance:

1. First Hearing Representation (Pleadings)

  • Court representation at the initial hearing
  • Submission of required documents and statements to the court
  • Clear and correct formulation of your position
  • Compliance with all deadlines and procedural requirements
  • Proper actions at this stage lay the foundation for an effective defense.

2. Address Change Notification to Court

  • Preparation and submission of required forms
  • Confirmation of proper submission and preservation of proof of filing
  • Avoiding situations where court notices are sent to an old address

3. Change of Venue

  • Justification of the request (place of residence, employment, family, medical grounds)
  • Preparation and submission of the full document package to the court
  • Support through the process until the judge's decision

4. Voluntary Departure

  • Assessment of whether this option is appropriate for your situation
  • Explanation of consequences for future immigration processes
  • Preparation and submission of required documents to the court

5. Termination Based on Approved I-130 Petition

  • Assessment of your situation and possible risks
  • Preparation of legal motions and supporting evidence
  • Communication with the court and DHS

6. Motion to Reopen — Ineffective Assistance of Prior Counsel

  • Analysis of prior attorney's actions
  • Evaluation of deadlines and prospects for reopening
  • Preparation of a legally substantiated motion
  • Representation in immigration court

7. Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Defense

  • Preparation of the complete filing package (Form I-589)
  • Drafting of a detailed personal declaration
  • Gathering country condition evidence
  • Preparation for Individual Hearing
  • Court representation
  • Note: Court-based asylum requires serious preparation and a clear legal strategy.

8. Bond Hearing — Release from Detention

  • Preparation of full bond packet
  • Collection of character references, supporting letters, and stability evidence
  • Preparation of sponsors
  • Representation at the bond hearing
  • Note: Being free during your proceedings significantly improves your chances.

9. Motion to Terminate Proceedings

  • Procedural violations
  • Defects in the Notice to Appear (NTA)
  • Lack of court jurisdiction
  • Government (DHS) errors

We analyze your case to determine whether grounds exist to terminate proceedings. In some cases, the right legal strategy can end the case before the individual hearing.

Why Work With Us for Removal Defense?

Attorney-Led Review

Your case handled or personally overseen by a licensed immigration attorney — not a paralegal or document preparer.

Multilingual Service

We serve clients in English, Russian, and Ukrainian — explain your situation in the language you're most comfortable with.

Immigration Court Experience

Extensive experience representing clients in removal proceedings — from master calendar hearings through merits hearings and appeals.

Transparent Flat Fees

No surprise billing. Most services are flat-fee so you know exactly what you pay from day one.

We Walk With You

We care about your outcome, not just paperwork. You get a dedicated point of contact at every stage of the process.

Serving Families Worldwide

Chicago office, clients in all 50 states and abroad. Trusted by U.S., Russian & Ukrainian communities for over a decade.

What We Do For You — Step by Step

  1. Emergency Case Assessment
    Attorney-led review of the Notice to Appear (NTA), charges of removability, prior immigration history, and available defenses.
  2. Personalized Defense Strategy
    We develop a tailored removal defense strategy — asylum, withholding of removal, CAT, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or other relief.
  3. Master Calendar Hearing Prep
    We prepare your pleadings, enter the appropriate pleas to charges, and calendar your case for a merits hearing.
  4. Evidence & Witness Planning
    We identify the witnesses, documents, and country condition evidence needed to build the strongest possible case for relief.
  5. Application for Relief Preparation
    We prepare and file your asylum application, cancellation of removal application, or other applicable relief forms with precision.
  6. Document Review & Quality Control
    Line-by-line attorney review of all applications, declarations, and supporting evidence before submission to the immigration court.
  1. Merits Hearing Representation
    We represent you at the merits hearing — presenting witnesses, evidence, and legal arguments to the immigration judge.
  2. Proactive Response to Government Motions
    We respond promptly and strategically to any government motions to pretermit, exclude evidence, or expedite removal.
  3. Expert Witness Coordination
    When needed, we coordinate country condition experts, medical experts, or psychological evaluators to support your case.
  4. BIA Appeal Preparation
    If the immigration judge rules against you, we advise on and prepare a timely appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
  5. Advocacy on Complex Issues
    Criminal history, prior removals, multiple entries, or abandoned cases? We advise on all available legal remedies and next steps.
  6. Continuous Communication
    Timely updates, direct access to our team, and a dedicated contact so you always know where your case stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Removal Proceedings is the court process in immigration court where the government (DHS) seeks to remove a person from the U.S. The process begins after receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA). Having an experienced attorney is critical to defending your right to remain in the country.
An NTA (Notice to Appear) is an official summons to immigration court. After receiving one, contact an immigration attorney immediately, do not miss any hearings, and do not sign any documents without legal consultation.
Yes. If you fear returning to your country due to persecution, threats to your life, or torture — you can file for Asylum, Withholding of Removal, or CAT protection directly during your removal proceedings.
A Motion to Reopen is a request to reopen a case that was already decided. It may be filed when a case was lost due to ineffective assistance of prior counsel, or when new circumstances arise. Strict deadlines apply — act quickly.
A Bond Hearing is a proceeding in which a judge decides whether a detained person can be released on bond before the conclusion of their case. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of detention, entry status, and criminal history.
Yes. If you have moved or have valid reasons (family, employment, medical), you can file a motion for Change of Venue — transferring your case to a court in another state. We prepare and file all required documents.

Ready to Discuss Your Immigration Case?

Attorney Sakhniuk and her team are here to help. Schedule a consultation to get started.

Schedule a Consultation

773-242-8813