What You Need To Know About Your Immigration Court Hearing

If you have been living inside of the United States illegally and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has figured out that you are here without a visa or you do not possess citizenship, then there is a good chance that you will be detained and need an immigration bond from US Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services. The Department of Homeland Security will then initiate removal proceedings against you. An immigration judge will be appointed to your case in immigration court and a government attorney will attempt to have you removed from the United States.

Immigration proceedings can often span over several years, with four or more court hearings. US Immigration Bonds knows that appearing before a judge can be stressful and worrisome, which is why we want to help you understand the immigration court process in hopes that a little knowledge will help to ease your mind.

The notice to appear is extremely critical.

The NTA will signify that you have been admitted to the removal proceedings and that the U.S. government is seeking to have you removed. The NTA will contain your alien number, the date, time and location of your first hearing, and the charges being filed against you. You should have your attorney look over the NTA and asses the charges against you, as well as their accuracy.

Know the location of your courtroom.

You should know where the court house is located, what the parking situation is, and where the restrooms are located prior to your hearing in order to be prepared. Make sure that you are present when your case is called by the judge.

Be on time.

If you are late and not present when the judge calls your case, then there is not anything that your immigration attorney can do and a judge will not hesitate to order that you be removed from the country.

There are two different types of immigration hearings.

The two different types of hearings are called a “master” hearing and an “individual” hearing. During a master hearing, your immigration attorney will present the charges that are against you and then present your defense. The judge will then discuss the administrative issues, scheduling and filing applications. During an individual hearing, your case is presented to an immigration court. At the end of the individual hearing, the judge will present a decision orally.

Bring the necessary documentation.

Make sure that you have your NTA, proper identification, and other supporting documents for your case. Most courts will not permit your entrance if you do not have your NTA.

You will not be detained after the conclusion of your hearings.

Detainment after a judge makes an order is very rare. If the judge does order removal and an appeal cannot be made, your immigration attorney can request for a dignified or self-removal departure from the U.S.

If you have been detained for illegal immigration in the United States, then US Immigration Bonds offers one of the lowest costing immigration bonds in the country, and you will be guaranteed same day release. Call 1-800-225-2587 for assistance with getting a loved one out of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment.