You’ve built a life here in the US. You have a steady job, or maybe you even own your own company. You started a family, and you have a spouse and children who are U.S. citizens. You pay taxes, renew your driver’s license, and stay out of trouble. Immigration has not crossed your mind in years, until one application, one background check, or one unexpected question brings everything to a sudden stop.
Without any warning, many people learn something shocking: there is a removal order on their record, issued years or even decades ago. Often it traces back to a missed court date, a move that happened too quickly, or a moment at the border that felt minor at the time. All too many times it relates to a removal order that was issued against you when you were a young child.
Whether it has been lingering quietly in the back of your mind or comes as a complete surprise, a removal order can feel like a permanent roadblock. Even after years of living in the United States, it creates fear, uncertainty, and the feeling that the future is always one step away from falling apart.
We often hear people say, “I’ve been here too long. I don’t think there’s anything I can do now,” or “I’m married to a U.S. citizen, but my old case still stops me from moving forward.” Recent legal developments have opened new doors for some families, especially here in New England.
A removal order is a decision from an immigration judge ordering someone to leave the United States. Many people received these orders years ago because they missed a court date, did not fully understand the process, or did not have legal representation at the time. Many people stayed in the US after the removal order was issued.
Even if someone later marries a U.S. citizen or otherwise becomes eligible for a green card, a final removal order can block that path. In many cases, the only option used to be leaving the United States and applying from abroad, a process that can involve long family separations and serious risks.
There is now important news for certain families in New England. A federal class-action lawsuit, Calderon Jimenez v. Mayorkas, resulted in a settlement that provides new protections and opportunities for some noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have old removal orders.
This settlement arose after families were detained or faced deportation while actively trying to follow immigration procedures and pursue lawful status. Its purpose is to reduce unnecessary enforcement and give qualifying families a fair chance to resolve long-standing immigration cases.
The Calderon Settlement applies to a specific group of people. In general, you may be eligible if:
If you qualify, this settlement may allow you to ask immigration authorities to reopen and dismiss your removal order.
For eligible individuals, reopening and dismissing a removal order can be life-changing. It removes a major barrier to pursuing lawful permanent residence and reduces the constant fear tied to an active deportation order. Some people may be able to apply for a green card without leaving the US, usually if they entered the US with a visa.
For those who entered through the border without a visa, they will need to leave the US to get the green card; these people may decide to apply for forgiveness of the removal order through Form I-212 and skip the Calderon settlement benefits. That decision makes sense especially if you do not live in New England.
A critical part of the settlement is protection from enforcement. During the settlement period, which runs through January 16, 2027, ICE generally should not detain or deport qualifying individuals unless there is a serious public safety or national security concern.
For many families, this provides something they have not felt in years: breathing room.
Many immigrants with old removal orders have continued to live responsibly, raise children, and contribute to their communities. Yet fear often kept them from seeking legal help, especially if they believed nothing could be done.
The Calderon Settlement shows that immigration law can evolve and that new options may exist, even when a situation feels hopeless. However, the settlement is time-limited, and not everyone qualifies. Acting early and getting proper legal advice is critical.
If you or someone you love has an old removal order, you are not alone.
An experienced immigration attorney can review your history, confirm whether the Calderon Settlement applies to you, and explain what steps may be available. Understanding your options before filing an application or making travel plans is critical.
If you believe you may qualify, do not wait. These protections are not automatic, and they will not last forever.
At Cambridge Immigration Law, we believe families deserve clarity, compassion, and honest guidance. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and find out whether we can help you reopen and dismiss your removal order, and move forward with confidence.