Removal Defense: Representation in Immigration Court

Removal Defense

Facing Deportation? You Have Rights.

If you have received a Notice to Appear 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 Sakhniuk Immigration Law team provide full legal representation at every stage of the court process, from the first hearing to the final decision.

Our Services in Immigration Court

First Hearing

Representation (Pleadings)

Court representation at the initial hearing
Submission of documents and statements
Clear formulation of your legal position
All deadlines and procedural requirements met

Address Change

Notification to Court

Preparation and submission of required forms
Confirmed proof of filing preserved
No missed court notices due to old address

Change of Venue

Transfer to a Different Court

Justified by residence, work, family, or medical grounds
Full document package prepared and filed
Supported through the judge's decision

Voluntary Departure

Leaving on Your Own Terms

Assessment of whether this option fits your situation
Explanation of long-term immigration consequences
All required court documents prepared

I-130 Termination

Termination via Approved Petition

Assessment of situation and risks
Legal motions and supporting evidence prepared
Communication with court and DHS

Motion to Reopen

Ineffective Assistance of Prior Counsel

Analysis of prior attorney's actions
Deadline and prospects evaluated
Legally substantiated motion prepared
Immigration court representation

Asylum & CAT Defense

Asylum, Withholding of Removal, CAT

Full I-589 filing package prepared
Detailed personal declaration drafted
Country condition evidence gathered
Individual Hearing preparation and representation

Requires serious preparation and a clear legal strategy.

Bond Hearing

Release from Detention

Full bond packet prepared
Character references and stability evidence gathered
Sponsors prepared for hearing
Representation at the bond hearing

Being free during proceedings significantly improves your outcome.

Motion to Terminate Proceedings

End the Case Before It Goes to a Full Hearing

Procedural violations by the government
Defects in the Notice to Appear (NTA)

Lack of court jurisdiction
DHS errors in charging documents

In some cases the right legal strategy can end the case entirely before the individual hearing takes place.

Our Approach

Why Work With Sakhniuk Immigration Law

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 are 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

Emergency Case Assessment
Attorney-led review of the Notice to Appear (NTA), charges of removability, prior immigration history, and available defenses.
Personalized Defense Strategy
We develop a tailored removal defense strategy — asylum, withholding of removal, CAT, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or other relief.
Master Calendar Hearing Prep
We prepare your pleadings, enter the appropriate pleas to charges, and calendar your case for a merits hearing.
Evidence & Witness Planning
We identify the witnesses, documents, and country condition evidence needed to build the strongest possible case for relief.
Application for Relief Preparation
We prepare and file your asylum application, cancellation of removal application, or other applicable relief forms with precision.
Document Review & Quality Control
Line-by-line attorney review of all applications, declarations, and supporting evidence before submission to the immigration court.

Merits Hearing Representation
We represent you at the merits hearing, presenting witnesses, evidence, and legal arguments to the immigration judge.
Proactive Response to Government Motions
We respond promptly and strategically to any government motions to pretermit, exclude evidence, or expedite removal.
Expert Witness Coordination
When needed, we coordinate country condition experts, medical experts, or psychological evaluators to support your case.
BIA Appeal Preparation
If the immigration judge rules against you, we advise on and prepare a timely appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Advocacy on Complex Issues
Criminal history, prior removals, multiple entries, or abandoned cases? We advise on all available legal remedies and next steps.
Continuous Communication
Timely updates, direct access to our team, and a dedicated contact so you always know where your case stands.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about removal defense and immigration court.

What are Removal Proceedings?

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.

What is an NTA and what should I do after receiving one?

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.

Can I apply for asylum during removal proceedings?

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.

What is a Motion to Reopen and when is it filed?

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, so act quickly.

What is a Bond Hearing and who is eligible?

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.

Can a case be transferred to another state?

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.

Services – Removal Defense