Expanded Expedited Removal In Effect

Expedited removal is a fast-track deportation program.  Under a new policy, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers can detain certain undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S for less than two years. These persons can be ordered deported without a hearing by an immigration judge.

Expedited removal does not apply to:

  • Any individual with valid immigration status, including U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (greencard holders), those with valid and unexpired visas, refugees, or asylum seekers;

  • Unaccompanied minors;

  • Individuals who have been admitted to the U.S., even if they have overstayed a visa;

  • Anyone who has been in the U.S. for two years or more.

Please see ILAP’s Fact Sheet on Expedited Removal for more information (last updated 10/30/2020).

Other Resources

Primer on Expedited Removal from the American Immigration Council

Videos in English, Spanish, and French from the Tahirih Justice Center

Expedited removal toolkit from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Know Your Rights from National Immigrant Justice Center (en español)

Legal AdvisoriesILAP MaineICE, CBP, English, Expedited Removal