What is "expedited removal" in immigration law?

Expedited removal is a streamlined process in immigration law that allows for the swift deportation of certain individuals without the need for a formal hearing before an immigration judge. This process is typically applied to individuals who are apprehended near the border and do not possess valid documentation to enter or stay in the United States. It is designed to address the backlog of immigration cases and to enable the Border Patrol and other enforcement agencies to promptly manage cases of unauthorized entry.

The essence of expedited removal is its efficiency; individuals can be removed more quickly compared to traditional removal proceedings, which often involve lengthy legal processes and hearings. This approach serves to deter illegal immigration by demonstrating that there are immediate consequences for unauthorized attempts to enter the U.S.

In contrast, other options such as lengthy legal processes or programs for granting asylum do not encapsulate the nature of expedited removal, which is meant to be rapid and devoid of prolonged judicial proceedings.