Removals to Vietnam: What You Need to Know Right Now

You came to the United States for a better life — for your family, for your future. And now you're hearing news about removals to Vietnam, and fear is creeping in.

You are not alone. And you do not have to face this without help.

Removals of Vietnamese nationals to the United States have been a long-standing and complicated issue — and the situation is shifting. If you or someone you love is Vietnamese and has concerns about deportation or removal, this guide is for you. We want you to understand what's happening, what your rights are, and what options may be available to you.

What Is Happening With Removals to Vietnam?

For years, the United States and Vietnam had an agreement that limited removals of Vietnamese nationals who arrived in the U.S. before July 12, 1995 — the date the two countries normalized diplomatic relations. Under that framework, many long-term Vietnamese residents were protected from deportation even if they had a final order of removal.

That protection is no longer guaranteed.

In recent years, the U.S. government has taken steps to expand removals of Vietnamese nationals, including those who arrived before 1995. Immigration enforcement priorities have shifted, and Vietnamese immigrants — even those with deep roots in the United States — are increasingly at risk.

If you or a family member has a prior removal order, a criminal history, or has been living in the U.S. without legal status, now is the time to understand where you stand.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Not every Vietnamese immigrant faces the same level of risk. Those most likely to be targeted for removal include:

• Individuals with a final order of removal already on file — even old orders that were never executed
• Vietnamese nationals with criminal convictions — including older convictions that may not have felt serious at the time
• People who entered the U.S. without status or overstayed a visa
• Those who have previously been detained by ICE
• Individuals who received a notice to appear (NTA) in immigration court but did not attend their hearing

If any of these situations apply to you or someone you love, do not wait. The time to act is before something happens — not after.

Your Rights if You Are Facing Removal

You have rights. Even if you are undocumented. Even if you have a prior removal order. Even if you have a criminal history.

Here is what you need to know:

You have the right to an attorney. The government is not required to provide you one in immigration court — but you have the right to hire your own. An experienced immigration attorney can make a life-changing difference in your case.

You have the right to a hearing. In most cases, you have the right to appear before an immigration judge before you are removed. Do not give up that right.

You have the right to remain silent. If ICE approaches you, you are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or history. You may say: *"I am exercising my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney."*

You have the right to appeal. If an immigration judge orders your removal, you may have the right to appeal that decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) — and potentially to federal court.

Knowing your rights is the first step. The second step is taking action.

What Options May Be Available to You

Every case is different. But there are several forms of relief that may apply to Vietnamese immigrants facing removal:

Cancellation of Removal

If you have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years and have lived in the U.S. for at least 7 years, you may be eligible for cancellation of removal. Non-permanent residents may also qualify under different requirements — including 10 years of continuous presence and demonstrating that removal would cause exceptional hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member.

Reopening Your Case

If you have an old removal order, it may be possible to file a **motion to reopen** your immigration case — particularly if circumstances have changed, you have new evidence, or your original hearing was not properly conducted. This is a complex legal process, but it has helped many people in exactly your situation.

Asylum and Other Forms of Protection

If you have a genuine fear of persecution in Vietnam — due to your religion, political beliefs, ethnicity, or membership in a particular social group — you may be eligible for asylum or other forms of protection such as withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

Adjustment of Status

If you have a qualifying family relationship — such as a U.S. citizen spouse, child, or parent — you may be eligible to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident, even if you have a prior removal order in some circumstances.

Voluntary Departure

In some cases, voluntary departure may be a better option than a formal removal order. Voluntary departure can preserve certain future immigration options that a removal order would close off. An attorney can help you weigh the consequences of each path.

Why Attorney Phan Nguyen Is the Right Choice

Attorney Phan Nguyen understands the Vietnamese community — not just professionally, but personally. As a Vietnamese American attorney serving DFW for over a decade, he has represented hundreds of clients with complex immigration histories, including cases others refused to take.

He speaks your language. He understands the cultural context. And he knows how much is at stake.

"After 28 years in the United States, I am finally becoming a U.S. citizen — and I owe it all to Attorney Phan. With a long history of criminal charges from my past, most lawyers turned me away… But Phan didn't give up. He fought with me, step by step, with honesty, strength, and real expertise."

That is the standard of representation every client deserves — no matter how complicated their history.

The Law Office of Phan Nguyen serves the Vietnamese community across DFW from three convenient office locations: Addison, Plano, and Grand Prairie. Consultations are available in English and Vietnamese.

Do Not Wait Until It Is Too Late

If you have a removal order — even an old one — or if you are living with uncertainty about your immigration status, the single most important thing you can do is speak with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.

The options available to you today may not be available tomorrow. Immigration law moves fast, and so does enforcement.

Call the Law Office of Phan Nguyen at 469-465-2344.

We are here Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can also visit us at nguyen-legal.com to book a consultation.

You don't have to face this alone. We are here for you.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Immigration laws and enforcement priorities can change rapidly. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney at the Law Office of Phan Nguyen — call 469-465-2344 or visit nguyen-legal.com.