Cancellation of removal, formerly known as suspension of deportation, is a form of relief from deportation that allows certain noncitizens to remain in the United States. To be eligible, an individual must have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years, have no aggravated felonies or other serious criminal convictions, and demonstrate that their removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to their qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.
Cancellation of removal is a discretionary form of relief, meaning that the government is not required to grant it even if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. However, if granted, cancellation of removal allows the individual to remain in the United States permanently and apply for lawful permanent residency.