If you are waiting for asylum, a green card, or a visa, you may be safe if your case is properly filed and active but if your visa has expired, or you entered without permission, you could be at risk of removal, especially if your case is denied.

If you are in removal proceedings (immigration court), you are already in the system and can be deported if your case is denied.

If you are arrested or break the law, you could be placed in deportation even while your immigration case is pending.

If you leave the country while your case is pending, you may not be allowed back in unless you have special permission like advance parole.