--- title: Could I get a green card if I'm detained by immigration? description: Facing deportation? BKR Law provides expert removal defense to protect your rights and help you stay in the U.S. Get experienced legal support when it matters most. image: https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Cancellation%20of%20Removal.jpg ---             # Cancellation of Removal ##### **Being deported? ** ##### **Get a green card instead.** [Learn More](https://www.bkrlaw.com/removal#tmp2_dnd_area-module-2) ### **WATCH NOW:** ### What is Cancellation of Removal? ![BKR Line - Red](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Red.png?width=251&height=16&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Red.png)     ## Tell The Immigration Judge ## You Deserve To Stay ![BKR Line - Light 2](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png) ##### Cancellation of removal lets some immigrants appeal for green cards after they're detained. To qualify, you must meet four conditions.  ![house icon (1)](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/house%20icon%20(1).png "house icon (1)") ###### CONTINUOUS PRESENCE ## You must have lived exclusively in the U.S. for the 10 years before your were placed in removal proceedings. If you left the country, it could only have been once for less than 90 days or multiple times for a total of less than 180 days.  ![binoculars icon](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/binoculars%20icon.png "binoculars icon") ## GOOD MORAL CHARACTER ## You must have a nonexistent or very limited criminal history, meaning no serious felonies and few misdemeanors. You should volunteer, go to church, help your family, pay taxes, and do other things that make you a good community member. ![family icon](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/family%20icon.png "family icon") ## QUALIFYING  ## RELATIVE ## You must have a spouse, parent, or child who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. This person is your qualifying relative and will be the basis upon which you build your case. ![bandaid icon](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/bandaid%20icon.png "bandaid icon") ## EXTREMELY  ## UNUSUAL HARDSHIP ## You must be able to show that if you are removed from the U.S., your qualifying relative will suffer "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship." This is a legal standard that means more than just missing you. ### **WATCH NOW:** ### What are the requirements to qualify for Cancellation of Removal? ![BKR Line - Light 2](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png?width=251&height=16&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png) ### **Get A Work Permit And Driver's License** ![BKR Line - Light 2](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png) ###### While your case is being processed, you'll be eligible for these benefits, along with a social security number. If you win, you'll get a green card. [Apply](https://www.bkrlaw.com/removal#apply) ## **What If I'm Not Eligible?** **![BKR Line - Light 2](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png)** ###### **IF YOU DON'T MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL, BE WARY OF PEOPLE WHO WANT TO CHARGE YOU TO START YOUR CASE. **   ###### **CERTAIN SCAMMERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IMMIGRANTS BY MAKING EMPTY PROMISES IN EXCHANGE FOR HEFTY FEES.   ** ###### ** DON'T LISTEN TO LIES. WE TELL YOU THE TRUTH, EVEN IF IT'S UNPLEASANT AND WE HELP YOU IDENTIFY ALL THE OPTIONS YOU MAY LEFT.**   **[![Learn More About Avoiding Fraud](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/63347260-1cd8-43e4-a9d6-57d7fc75fcea.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/63347260-1cd8-43e4-a9d6-57d7fc75fcea)** ![fence](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fence.jpg?width=800&height=500&name=fence.jpg) ## **Get Special Consideration** ##### We can ask immigration to exercise prosecutorial discretion and terminate or close your removal proceedings. ![question mark](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/question%20mark.png?width=200&name=question%20mark.png)   ##### **WHAT IS IT?** Discretion = the ability to choose to do or not to do something Prosecute = carry out legal proceedings against someone When we ask DHS or the immigration court to exercise prosecutorial discretion for you, we ask them to close your removal case. This means that deporting you isn't a priority for them. ![Lightbulb](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lightbulb.png?width=200&name=Lightbulb.png)   ##### WHY WOULD THEY CHOOSE NOT TO DEPORT ME?  Government agencies only have so many employees and resources. They want to focus on removing criminals and generally support keeping families together. If you present a compelling a case that aligns with their values, they may excuse you and move their attention to other, more pressing cases. ![person (1)](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/person%20(1).png?width=200&name=person%20(1).png)   ##### **WHO CAN QUALIFY?** You may be a good candidate if you can show that you have little to no criminal history, have demonstrated good moral character (such as paying taxes and contributing positively to your community) proof of any qualifying relatives you have, and for certain individuals, that you are eligible for immigration benefits through a pending application with USCIS such as an I-130 or U-visa.   ###### **See if someone could submit an I-130 petition for you. ** [![I-130 Petition](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/d2f8e35e-8548-44dc-af89-31110ee145e5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/d2f8e35e-8548-44dc-af89-31110ee145e5) ![I-130 screen shot (1)](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/I-130%20screen%20shot%20(1).jpg) ###### **Entered the U.S. with a visa? You may be able to adjust status. ** [![Adjust My Status](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/d338e03b-bade-4bd9-9f56-64385aabdeb7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/d338e03b-bade-4bd9-9f56-64385aabdeb7) ![adjust status screenshot_edited](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/adjust%20status%20screenshot_edited.jpg) ###### **Victim of a crime? Learn about the U-visa** [![U-Visa](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/570f92de-098c-4866-a08b-6d3e8647b518.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/570f92de-098c-4866-a08b-6d3e8647b518) ![uvisa screenshot](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/uvisa%20screenshot.jpg) ###### **Spouse or child of a U.S. citizen of permanent resident? Learn about the waiver.** [![Waiver](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/3bbb27f8-8e66-4500-a6c1-01fe5ff6a5cf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/3bbb27f8-8e66-4500-a6c1-01fe5ff6a5cf) ![PWP qualfication screenshot_edited](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/PWP%20qualfication%20screenshot_edited.jpg) ###### **See if someone could submit an I-130 petition for you. ** [![I-130 Petition](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/d2f8e35e-8548-44dc-af89-31110ee145e5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/d2f8e35e-8548-44dc-af89-31110ee145e5) ![I-130 screen shot (1)](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/I-130%20screen%20shot%20(1).jpg) ###### **Entered the U.S. with a visa? You may be able to adjust status. ** [![Adjust My Status](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/d338e03b-bade-4bd9-9f56-64385aabdeb7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/d338e03b-bade-4bd9-9f56-64385aabdeb7) ![adjust status screenshot_edited](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/adjust%20status%20screenshot_edited.jpg) ###### **Victim of a crime? Learn about the U-Visa.** [![U-Visa](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/570f92de-098c-4866-a08b-6d3e8647b518.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/570f92de-098c-4866-a08b-6d3e8647b518) ![uvisa screenshot](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/uvisa%20screenshot.jpg) ###### **Spouse or child of a U.S. citizen of permanent resident? Learn about the waiver.** [![Waiver](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/3bbb27f8-8e66-4500-a6c1-01fe5ff6a5cf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/3bbb27f8-8e66-4500-a6c1-01fe5ff6a5cf) ![PWP qualfication screenshot_edited](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/PWP%20qualfication%20screenshot_edited.jpg) ![checklist (1)](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/checklist%20(1).png?width=200&name=checklist%20(1).png)   ##### **WHAT ELSE DO THEY CONSIDER?** Immigration may also take into account your immigration history, employment, military history, education, ties to the U.S., family situation, home country conditions, age, health,  and more. We'll assess all these factors when preparing our request for you, but ultimately the decision is up to immigration. ![green card](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/green%20card.png?width=200&name=green%20card.png)   ##### **DOES IT COME WITH A GREEN CARD?** No. If you're granted prosecutorial discretion, your removal case is still considered “pending." Even though you are no longer scheduled to appear for any hearings, you may have to periodically check in with a local immigration office. Receiving prosecutorial discretion does not make you eligible for legal status or a work permit. ​If you are eligible for employment authorization or residency through another application, you will need to file these applications with USCIS separately. If you are able to apply for residency you will need to request that your removal case before the Immigration Court be terminated completely so that you have no pending case with the court. [Get More Information](https://www.bkrlaw.com/removal#apply) ### **Voluntary Departure** ### ![BKR Line - Light 2](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Website%20Elements/BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png?width=251&name=BKR%20Line%20-%20Light%202.png) ###### Leaving the U.S. voluntarily can be a good option if you're in removal proceedings but unable to start or unlikely to win a cancellation case or prosecutorial discretion request. ###### **Benefits include:** 2 to 4 times more time to get your affairs in      order before leaving the country No deportation order on your record No mandatory ban on returning to the U.S. legally in the future [![Learn More](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/aa6d110c-d8e4-48f7-9102-16dc6df8ca8f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/aa6d110c-d8e4-48f7-9102-16dc6df8ca8f)   ![stairs](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hubfs/stairs.jpg) ## **Need** **Help Now?**   ###### If you or someone you love has been detained by ICE, cooperate with the officers, but seek legal help before signing any papers. Get an attorney's recommendation as soon as possible. [![Call An Attorney](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9102713/82b7d0ce-434f-43d6-ab4a-6ce50e33892c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/9102713/82b7d0ce-434f-43d6-ab4a-6ce50e33892c)   [![removal and ice learn page screenshot](https://www.bkrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wix%20Migration/removal%20and%20ice%20learn%20page%20screenshot.jpg?width=1189&name=removal%20and%20ice%20learn%20page%20screenshot.jpg)](https://bkrlaw-9102713.hs-sites.com/removal-ice?hsLang=en) [ Learn More about the Removal Process ](https://www.bkrlaw.com/removal-ice?hsLang=en) ## Meet with BKR Law Tell us a bit about your situation and when you'd like to meet with the attorney. Someone will be in touch to schedule an appointment.  ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://9102713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9102713/Website%20Videos/Being%20Detained_YT.mp4", "dateModified" : "2024-11-11T12:34:08.904Z", "duration" : "PT59S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "Being Detained_YT", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://9102713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9102713/Website%20Videos/Being%20Detained_YT.mp4/medium.jpg?t=1731328448904", "uploadDate" : "2024-11-11T12:34:08.898Z", "width" : 1920 } ```