Learning that the US government is seeking to have you removed from the country is bound to result in feelings of anxiety and panic. This is especially true for individuals who do not understand the legal process involved in this type of proceeding. Thankfully, consulting an immigration removal attorney can help to ease much of this anxiety by helping you to better understand what happens next.
The first steps of the immigration removal process are extremely important since they can easily shape the course of the entire case against you. The first step that you can expect the government to take is to send you a notice to appear letter in the mail. This letter is very important since it outlines not only the reasons the government is asking for an immigration judge to declare you removable, but it will also tell you when you are expected to appear in court for an initial appearance before the judge. This initial appearance is often referred to as a master hearing.
While receiving a notice to appear letter can understandably leave you feeling nervous or anxious, it is vital that you appear in court on the date and time specified in this letter. A failure to do so can result in the judge automatically finding you removable due to your failure to appear. Appearing in court will not result in you being removed from the country! This initial appearance simply provides you with the ability to either admit or deny the allegations against you. You should never skip this hearing because you are worried that you will be deported if you show up.
When attending your master hearing, it is best to be accompanied by an immigration removal attorney who can assist you in navigating the legal process. Therefore it is always best to consult a lawyer prior to this court date. However, if you are unable to secure the services of a lawyer prior to this date, you will still need to appear in front of the judge in order to admit or deny the allegations against you. At this point, you should also ask the judge to provide you with ample time to secure legal counsel before your next hearing. This will ensure that not only do you have enough time to find a qualified immigration removal attorney but also that this attorney has ample time to review your case before being required to appear in court on your behalf.
For more information about working with an immigration removal attorney, contact a local law firm, like Pope & Associates PC.
Share4 March 2021
My son has been best friends with a little boy from up the street for about two years. When his family came to me and told me that they may be leaving because of immigration issues, my heart broke. Those two boys spend so much time together and I knew that my son and his friend would be scarred for life if they were separated like that. I told the family that I would do some digging and talk with an immigration attorney friend of mine and see what I could find out. This blog was created to help this family as well as any others going through immigration struggles.