Cancellation of Removal is a form of relief that allows certain undocumented immigrants in removal proceedings to stay in the U.S. and potentially get lawful permanent resident (green card) status.
This option is only available through immigration court and requires strong proof of hardship to qualifying family members.
✅ Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
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Continuous Presence
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At least 10 years of continuous physical presence in the U.S.
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Time stops when the government issues a Notice to Appear (NTA).
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Good Moral Character
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No serious criminal convictions.
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Demonstrated responsibility, honesty, and community involvement.
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No Disqualifying Crimes
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Crimes such as drug offenses, fraud, or aggravated felonies generally disqualify you.
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Exceptional and Extremely Unusual Hardship
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Must show that your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship if you were deported.
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Examples include medical needs, emotional trauma, educational disruption, or financial dependence.
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📄 What the Court Considers
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Age of your qualifying relatives.
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Health issues requiring your presence.
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Your history of employment, tax filing, and community involvement.
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Potential country conditions if deported.
📌 Important Notes
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You cannot apply proactively; you must be in removal proceedings.
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There is a cap on the number of these cases approved per year.
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The standard for hardship is very high — routine hardship is not enough.
📞 In removal proceedings without a green card? Borderless Lawyers can evaluate your eligibility for cancellation of removal and build a strong hardship case on your behalf. We’re here to defend your right to stay with your family.