Donald Trump: Essential Documents Needed to Avoid Deportation From the United States

With immigration enforcement intensifying under former President Donald Trump’s administration, many undocumented immigrants in the United States are at risk of deportation. To avoid removal, it is essential for migrants to ensure they possess the correct legal documents. These documents vary depending on an individual’s immigration status, and having the right paperwork can be crucial for staying in the US legally.

The State of Deportations Under Trump

According to BBC News, over 3,000 Nigerians residing in the US without legal documents are at risk of deportation. These individuals are listed on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) non-detained docket, with final orders of removal in place since November 2024. Nigeria ranks second among African countries with citizens scheduled for deportation, following Somalia, with Ghana and Senegal also affected.

A nationwide immigration enforcement operation on January 27, 2025, resulted in the arrest of 956 individuals, following previous raids that led to the detention of hundreds more. As of November 2024, over one million non-US citizens were listed on the ICE non-detainee register, all subject to final orders of removal. Many of these individuals entered the US illegally, further increasing the number of deportations.

Key Documents Required to Stay Legally in the US

To avoid deportation, immigrants must ensure they have the necessary legal documents. The basic requirement includes:

• A valid passport along with the appropriate visa for the purpose of stay—such as a work, family, or asylum visa.
• Proof of relationship to a US citizen or sponsor, if applicable.

Additional supporting documents that may be required include:

• Employment offer letters
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Financial records proving self-sufficiency

Without these essential documents, immigrants face a higher risk of deportation.

Documents Required for Different Immigration Pathways

The required documents depend on the individual’s immigration status or pathway:

1. Permanent Residency (Green Card)

To apply for a Green Card, the following documents are needed:

• A valid passport
• An immigration visa
• Form I-551 (Green Card)
• Proof of relationship to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (if applicable)

2. Employment-Based Immigration

For those seeking employment-based immigration, the required documents include:

• Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document)
• A job offer letter from a US employer
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
• Potentially a Labor Certification

3. Family-Based Immigration

For immigrants applying through family-based sponsorship, the necessary documents include:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates (if applicable)

4. Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary Stay)

For those applying for temporary visas—such as work, study, or tourism—the following documents are required:

• A valid passport
• The appropriate non-immigrant visa
• Supporting documents (e.g., an acceptance letter from a US school for a student visa)

Ensuring Legal Compliance to Avoid Deportation

With mass deportations being a central focus of the Trump administration, it is critical for immigrants to maintain proper legal status in the US.

• Regularly check and update your immigration status to ensure compliance with US immigration laws.
• Seek legal advice when necessary to navigate the complex immigration process.
• Keep all essential documents readily available to prove legal status when required.

By staying informed and ensuring all legal requirements are met, immigrants can reduce the risk of deportation and secure their stay in the United States.