Do you have immigration court?

What is happening

• The government has started removal (deportation) proceedings. An immigration judge will decide whether you can stay.
• The first hearing is called a master calendar hearing. It is usually short: the judge confirms your information, asks whether you have a lawyer, and sets deadlines.
• Missing a hearing can result in a removal order issued in your absence. Check your date before every hearing in the EOIR system; dates change.

What the attorney does

• Reviews the Notice to Appear and the file to see what charges the government has brought and whether they are correct.
• Identifies the defenses and forms of relief that may apply to you (asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, waivers, or others) and tells you which are realistic.
• Appears with you at every hearing. Same attorney from the first appointment to the decision.

What to bring to the consultation

• The Notice to Appear and any letter from the court or ICE.
• Your A-number (starts with A, nine digits).
• Passport, children's birth certificates, marriage certificate.
• Any prior immigration application and its response.
• Papers from any criminal case, including closed ones.

Common questions

Can I go to the first hearing without a lawyer?

You can, and the judge usually gives time to find one. But every hearing sets deadlines, and what is said in court stays on the record. It is better to arrive with a lawyer from the first hearing.

Does the Chicago court hear Wisconsin cases?

Yes. Cases of people living in Wisconsin are heard in the Chicago Immigration Court, and many hearings are held by video.

What if I moved?

You must notify the court in writing within a short period. If the court mails a notice to an old address and you do not appear, you can receive a removal order in absentia.