John Lennon and Yoko Ono received a notice of deportation from the United States on 6 March 1972.
Three immigration officers knocked on the door of their apartment at 105 Bank Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, to serve them a letter from Sol Marks, the New York District Director. It said: “On March 1st, 1972 we advised you in writing that you were expected to effect your departure from the United States on or before March 15th, 1972. It is now understood that you have no intention of effecting your departure by that date. We are therefore revoking the privilege of voluntary departure as provided by existing regulations.”
Lennon and Ono did not open the door and, after the officers confirmed their identity, the letter was slipped underneath.
It also contained notification to attend a 16 March hearing before a Special Inquiry Officer of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), in which they could argue why they should not be deported.
Lennon’s lawyer, Leon Wildes, encouraged them to fight the ruling. He also identified a technicality which meant the letter was not legally binding, and a new letter of notice was issued on 7 March. The same three officers returned to Bank Street on that day to deliver the new notice.