Deportation is the official  removal of an alien from the United States when the alien has been found removable for violating the immigration laws by over staying non immigrant visa, engaging in criminal activities and being  a threat to national security. Deportation is ordered by an immigration judge after Removal proceedings. Some aliens may also be removed through the expedited Removal process

 

Prior to April 1997 deportation and exclusion were separate removal procedures. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 consolidated these procedures. After April 1, 1997, aliens in and admitted to the United States may be subject to removal based on deportability.