deportation
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪpɔːtˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌdipɔrˈteɪʃən/
Description
- forced removal from a country
- official expulsion
- forced return
Imagine someone building a life in a new place—finding work, making friends, raising a family. Then, suddenly, they are forced to leave, sent back to their home country, even if it's been years since they last lived there. That's deportation. It's the act of officially sending someone away from a country, usually because they don't have the legal right to stay.
Deportation isn't only about serious crimes; it can happen for various reasons, like overstaying a visa or committing a crime. The story of many immigrants is often shadowed by the fear of deportation, and it can deeply affect families and communities. Think of the news stories you've heard about individuals facing this harsh reality—that's deportation in action.
Deportation is the formal process of removing a person from a country, typically because they are not a citizen and the government says they do not have the legal right to stay. It's more than just being asked to leave; it's an official order enforced by government authorities.
The reasons for deportation can vary widely. Someone might be deported for entering a country illegally, overstaying their visa, committing a crime (sometimes even a minor one), or violating the terms of their immigration status. The process often involves legal hearings and appeals, but ultimately, if an individual is found to have no legal right to remain, they are forcibly removed from the country.
Deportation has significant consequences for individuals and families. It can mean separation from loved ones, loss of livelihood, and returning to a home country that may be unstable or dangerous. The term often carries strong emotional weight, as it represents a disruption of life and a denial of opportunity.
Historically, deportation practices have been controversial, with debates surrounding fairness, due process, and the impact on human rights. In recent years, increased border enforcement and stricter immigration policies in many countries have increased deportations in some places, sparking ongoing discussions about immigration reform and humanitarian concerns.
So, while it can be summed up as removal from a country, deportation is a complex issue with legal, social, and deeply personal implications—a process that reshapes lives and communities.
Examples
- 1
Legal risk
If he breaks the terms of his visa, he could face deportation.
Phrase
face deportation
be in danger of being forced to leave the country
- 2
Legal appeal
Her lawyer is trying to stop her deportation while the appeal is still open.
- 3
Family fear
Many families live with the constant fear of deportation.
- 4
Court ruling
The court blocked the deportation of several children to the country they had fled.
Pattern
deportation of + person/group to + place
forcing them to leave one country and go to another
- 5
Election policy
Mass deportation became a major issue during the election campaign.
Phrase
mass deportation
the removal of large numbers of people
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- deportationnoun
Forms
- deportationspluralnoun