First Immigration Court Hearing (Master Hearing)
During your first immigration court hearing, the judge will ask you some basic questions about your case and schedule the next stage of the hearing. This first hearing is usually very quick and you will not usually be asked many questions about your case.
However, attending your first immigration court hearing is extremely important! If you do not show up, the immigration court judge will most likely decide to deport you.
When you show up for your first hearing, the courtroom may be full because the judge usually has several hearings scheduled at the same time. You may have to wait several hours before your name is called for a hearing.
If you are ready to do this, you can enter your asylum application (I-589) during the hearing. If you are not ready, you can file it later, at another hearing on the main calendar, by mail, or at an immigration court window.
If you do not have a lawyer, you can ask the judge for extra time to find a lawyer if you want one. The judge may ask about your efforts in finding a lawyer, so you should prepare a response. For example, you can provide a written list of all the places you have sought help. If you have already filed Form I-589 and request additional time from the judge, this will stop the deadlines and delay your application for work authorization. You do not have to hire an attorney for the hearing, but the judge may insist that you find one and reschedule your hearing. This can also be considered an extension of time and may affect your work authorization.
If your children are included in your case, you must bring them to the first hearing. At the first hearing, ask the judge if you need to bring your children to the next hearing. You must continue to bring your children to all hearings until the judge tells you that it is not required.
This first hearing is also known as the Master Hearing. Depending on your situation, there may be only one or more of these hearings.
However, attending your first immigration court hearing is extremely important! If you do not show up, the immigration court judge will most likely decide to deport you.
When you show up for your first hearing, the courtroom may be full because the judge usually has several hearings scheduled at the same time. You may have to wait several hours before your name is called for a hearing.
If you are ready to do this, you can enter your asylum application (I-589) during the hearing. If you are not ready, you can file it later, at another hearing on the main calendar, by mail, or at an immigration court window.
If you do not have a lawyer, you can ask the judge for extra time to find a lawyer if you want one. The judge may ask about your efforts in finding a lawyer, so you should prepare a response. For example, you can provide a written list of all the places you have sought help. If you have already filed Form I-589 and request additional time from the judge, this will stop the deadlines and delay your application for work authorization. You do not have to hire an attorney for the hearing, but the judge may insist that you find one and reschedule your hearing. This can also be considered an extension of time and may affect your work authorization.
If your children are included in your case, you must bring them to the first hearing. At the first hearing, ask the judge if you need to bring your children to the next hearing. You must continue to bring your children to all hearings until the judge tells you that it is not required.
This first hearing is also known as the Master Hearing. Depending on your situation, there may be only one or more of these hearings.