Citizens cannot be deported, but denaturalization proceedings can be brought against a naturalized citizen and can then lead to deportation. Since the Technical Amendments Act of 1991, these grounds have expanded with the addition of attempting or conspiring to commit a crime. Many of the provisions also depend on when the alien entered the United States, and still others make aliens deportable for acts they committed prior to entry. The mechanism of deportation involves broad official powers. INS officers have considerable power to investigate without search warrants, arrest, and detain suspects within one hundred miles of the U.S. border.
Aliens then receive a deportation hearing conducted by an immigration judge.
If the judge finds an alien deportable, various avenues of relief are available, including administrative and judicial appeals. Furthermore, several forms of discretionary relief may entitle the alien to leave voluntarily, claim suspension of deportation, apply for an adjustment of status, seek asylum as a refugee, or pursue numerous other options. Deportation often causes the U.S. citizen children of aliens to leave the United States. These children are not technically deported, and may ultimately choose to return. Deportation Remedies Aliens generally want to avoid deportation at all costs.