Can my uncle be deported even though he's been in this country 17 years, has payed his taxes every year and is a hard worker?

That questions that Ms. Black poses for you to have answer are very useful. We both agree that you should schedule an appointment with an experienced immigration attorney. You should review with the attorney to determine whether your uncle can qualify to file for relief in the form of cancellation. Perhaps, there are other possibilities, but it is unclear. The fact that he has paid his taxes and is a hard worker, alone, will not make a difference.

One thing that I noticed, the main element that your uncle must show is "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" to a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident child, parent, or spouse to the satisfaction of an immigration judge. This, among other minor discretionary considerations, must be proven to qualify for non-LPR Cancellation. In addition, he must be able to prove that he was physically present in the U.S. for more than ten years before his removal case started.

The above is general information not meant to be legal advice. We strongly recommend that your family schedule an appointment with a competent and experienced immigration attorney.