First Immigration Court Hearing (Master Hearing)
At 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 usually not be asked many questions about your case.
However, it is extremely important that you attend your first immigration court hearing! If you do not show up, the Immigration Judge will most likely decide to deport you.
When you show up for your first hearing, the courtroom may be crowded 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, you can complete 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 more time to find one if you want one. The judge may ask about your efforts to find 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 ask the judge for more time, this will stop the time limits and delay your application for work authorization. You do not have to hire an attorney for the interview, but the judge may insist that you find one and reschedule your interview. This may also be considered an extension of time and may affect your work authorization.
If your children are involved 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 necessary.
This first hearing is called the master hearing. Depending on your situation, there may be one or more of these hearings.
However, it is extremely important that you attend your first immigration court hearing! If you do not show up, the Immigration Judge will most likely decide to deport you.
When you show up for your first hearing, the courtroom may be crowded 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, you can complete 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 more time to find one if you want one. The judge may ask about your efforts to find 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 ask the judge for more time, this will stop the time limits and delay your application for work authorization. You do not have to hire an attorney for the interview, but the judge may insist that you find one and reschedule your interview. This may also be considered an extension of time and may affect your work authorization.
If your children are involved 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 necessary.
This first hearing is called the master hearing. Depending on your situation, there may be one or more of these hearings.