Angelica Pichardo | Deportation Defense | Tampa Bay & Nationwide

Getting a notice that the government wants to deport you is overwhelming. You may be worried about being separated from your family, losing everything you've built, or being sent back to a country that no longer feels like home.

I understand how overwhelming this is. My job is to sit down with you, understand your situation, and figure out whether there's a path that allows you to stay.

What Are Removal Proceedings?

Removal proceedings happen in immigration court. If you have a court date, or received paperwork saying the government is trying to remove you, you're likely in these proceedings.

This can happen for many reasons: an expired visa, a denied application, a past criminal issue, or entering or remaining in the U.S. without authorization. Whatever the reason, you have the right to present your case before a judge.

Forms of Relief in Immigration Court

Being in removal proceedings doesn't automatically mean deportation. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for relief that allows you to stay in the United States. Some of the most common forms include:

Cancellation of Removal for Non-Permanent Residents (42B): If you've been in the U.S. for at least 10 years, have good moral character, and can show that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship if you were deported, you may qualify for a green card through this form of relief. I'll help you tell your family's story and show the judge why keeping you here matters.
Cancellation of Removal for Permanent Residents (42A): If you're a green card holder facing deportation, you may be able to keep your status if you've had your green card for at least 5 years, lived continuously in the U.S. for 7 years, and haven't been convicted of an aggravated felony. I'll help highlight your ties to the United States and the life you've built here to show the judge why you deserve a favorable exercise of discretion.
Defensive Asylum: If you're in removal proceedings and fear harm in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may be able to seek asylum as a defense to deportation. If granted, asylum can lead to a green card and a path to citizenship. I'll help you document your claim and present your story to the judge.
Withholding of Removal: Similar to asylum but with a higher standard of proof. If granted, you cannot be returned to the country where you face harm, though it doesn't lead to a green card. It's still a meaningful form of protection that may allow you to remain safely in the U.S.

No two cases are the same. During a consultation, I'll review your history and help you understand whether any of these forms of relief could apply to you.

How I Can Help

During a consultation, I'll review your history and help you understand whether any form of relief might apply to you. If there's a path forward, I'll be the one standing next to you in court, preparing your evidence, and advocating for you.

I'll also be honest with you if the options are limited. You deserve clarity, not false hope.

What Working Together Looks Like

We start with a conversation: I'll learn about your situation, your history, and what matters most to you.
I assess your options: Based on what you tell me and the documents you provide, I'll determine whether any forms of relief may apply to your situation.
We prepare thoroughly: If we move forward, I'll help you gather evidence and feel prepared and confident when it's time to testify.
I represent you: I'll be with you at every hearing, speaking on your behalf and guiding you through the process.

Is This You?

You might need help with deportation defense if:

You have a court date coming up
You were recently denied an immigration benefit by USCIS
You had contact with ICE or CBP