What is the primary purpose of a removal proceeding?

The primary purpose of a removal proceeding is to determine the inadmissibility or deportability of an alien. This legal process is designed to ascertain whether an individual has violated immigration laws or is otherwise ineligible to remain in the United States. During these proceedings, an Immigration Judge reviews the facts of the case and the applicable laws to make a determination regarding the alien's legal status in the country.

These proceedings serve as a critical mechanism for enforcing immigration policies and ensuring that individuals who do not meet the necessary criteria to remain in the U.S., whether due to criminal activity, visa violations, or other reasons, are appropriately addressed under the law. The outcome can result in either the alien being allowed to stay in the country or being ordered to leave.

The other choices focus on different aspects of immigration law that do not pertain directly to removal proceedings. Granting citizenship, adjusting status, and waiving violations involve distinct legal processes and criteria that address pathways to legal status rather than the enforcement actions associated with removal.