THE MESSERSMITH LAW FIRM, P.A.
About Deported at Border
A focused immigration-law resource for travelers facing U.S. border refusal, expedited removal, visa cancellation, inadmissibility findings and reentry problems.
Focused Federal Immigration Representation
- Immigration practice since 2002
- Border-refusal and inadmissibility analysis
- Nationwide and international representation
Peter Messersmith
Founder and Senior Immigration Attorney
ATTORNEY-LED ANALYSIS
Immigration Representation Built Around the Actual CBP Record
Peter Messersmith founded The Messersmith Law Firm and has practiced U.S. immigration law continuously since 2002. His work includes inadmissibility, waivers, border-refusal matters, nonimmigrant visas, immigrant visas, adjustment of status and consular processing.
In airport and land-border cases, the first task is to determine what CBP actually did. Being placed on a return flight does not, by itself, reveal whether the traveler received expedited removal, withdrew an application for admission, had a visa canceled or experienced another form of refusal.
The Firm reviews the available documents, inspection timeline, sworn statements, passport markings, immigration history and future travel objective before recommending a reentry, waiver, records or visa strategy.
Practice Since 2002
More than two decades of continuous U.S. immigration practice.
Illinois Law License
Unrestricted license issued in November 2002.
Education
University of Texas at Austin and The John Marshall Law School.
Why the Exact Border Disposition Matters
Different CBP actions can create different consequences. The strategy should follow the government record rather than a general label such as “deported.”
Expedited Removal
A formal removal order may create a reentry bar and may require consent to reapply before lawful return.
Visa Cancellation
Cancellation may require a new visa application and may reflect a separate concern about admissibility or travel purpose.
Withdrawal of Application
Withdrawal is different from a formal removal order, but the refusal and underlying findings may still affect future travel.
Other Refusal or Inadmissibility Finding
The traveler may need a records request, visa strategy, waiver analysis or correction effort depending on what CBP recorded.
OUR APPROACH
A Four-Step Review
01
Reconstruct the Inspection
Review the timeline, questions, answers, documents, device review and departure circumstances.
02
Identify the Government Action
Determine the disposition, cited legal grounds and whether a removal order exists.
03
Assess the Consequences
Evaluate reentry bars, visa consequences, disclosure duties and waiver needs.
04
Develop the Return Strategy
Build the plan around the record, available remedy and future U.S. objective.
FOCUSED SERVICES
Border and Reentry Representation
Expedited Removal Review
Analysis of removal documents, cited inadmissibility and possible consent-to-reapply issues.
Withdrawal of Application Review
Review of what was signed, why admission was refused and how the event affects future travel.
Visa Cancellation Strategy
Evaluation of CBP cancellation and preparation for a future visa or admission application.
Form I-212 Representation
Consent-to-reapply analysis and filing when required after certain removals.
CBP Records Review
Targeted records requests and legal analysis of released inspection materials.
Nationwide and International Immigration Representation
The Firm is based in Orlando, Florida, but appropriate federal immigration matters can generally be handled remotely for clients throughout the United States and abroad.
390 N Orange Ave, Suite 2300
Orlando, FL 32801
(305) 515-0613
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Firm represent clients outside Florida?
Yes, for appropriate federal immigration matters. Most border-record, waiver and visa-planning work can be handled remotely.
Can the Firm determine what happened from my passport?
Sometimes, but not always. CBP forms, sworn statements, internal records and a detailed timeline may also be needed.
Does the Firm handle Form I-212 cases?
Yes. The Firm evaluates whether consent to reapply is required and whether any separate inadmissibility issue must also be addressed.
Can the Firm request my CBP records?
The Firm can assist with targeted records requests and review released materials, although no request guarantees release of every document.
Does contacting the Firm create an attorney-client relationship?
No. Representation begins only after the Firm accepts the matter and the parties execute a written representation agreement.
Does the Firm guarantee that I can return?
No. The government decides visa applications and admission. Legal representation can clarify the record and prepare the strongest supportable strategy, but cannot guarantee the outcome.
Request an Evaluation of Your Border Refusal or Reentry Problem
A useful evaluation begins with the inspection documents, timeline, immigration history and your reason for returning to the United States.
This website provides general information and is not legal advice. Contacting the Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.