The INS combined the two procedures in an attempt to simplify and accelerate the process of removing illegal immigrants from the United States. Deportation is defined as the removal or expulsion of a foreign national already in the United States, whether legally or illegally.
Exclusion occurs when an immigrant tries to enter the country but is rejected at the border.
Deportation and removal are words that strike fear into the hearts of most immigrants. It is a horrible thought that after all the efforts, time and money you put into immigrating, you might be thrown out. All people who come to the United States either as immigrants or nonimmigrants should be aware that there are over 450 grounds for inadmissibility. The Statute of Limitations applies to only a few cases, so the passage of a lengthy period of time after the grounds for deportation arises does not provide a defense. If you are convicted of a crime that might not be deemed a felony under U.S. state or federal law, but that is still considered an aggravated felony under the Immigration and Nationality Act, you are generally not eligible for any immigration relief.