What does Form I-851A represent?

Form I-851A represents a final administrative removal order without a hearing. This form is specifically used in immigration proceedings to formally document the decision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to remove an individual from the United States without requiring a hearing before an immigration judge. This process can occur when an individual is found to be subject to removal based on specific grounds, typically related to their immigration status or criminal history that mandates removal under U.S. law.

The absence of a hearing in this process indicates that the removal is determined based on the merits of the case without a judicial review, which can streamline the process for certain categories of non-citizens. This may include cases where individuals are deemed to be subject to expedited removal due to their status or violations.

It's important to note that this differs from a hearing-based removal process, where individuals would have the opportunity to contest their removal in front of a judge. The other options—final removal order with a hearing, initial application for asylum, and temporary protected status application—are distinctly different processes that involve varied legal rights and procedures.