IMPORTANT- Immigration Court Hearings Cancelled Due to COVID19 Concerns
Immigration Court Cancellations Due to COVID19 Concerns
*Updates: As of March 18, 2020 all non-detained hearings have been postponed at select courts. Visit the EOIR website regularly for updates.
Effective March 16, 2020 all master calendar hearings have been CANCELLED until April 10, 2020 due to COVID 19 concerns.
This includes non-detained courts throughout the United States.
IMPORTANT: Individual hearings will continue as scheduled.
If you have a master calendar hearing scheduled during this time, the immigration court will send an updated hearing notice.
It is important that your mailing address be up to date with the immigration court. You can update your address with the immigration court by filing the Form E-33.
The immigration court will continue to accept filings (except Seattle).
This means respondents (people in removal or deportation proceedings) or their attorneys can continue to file applications and evidence to support those applications.
How Do I Know if I have an Individual or Master Calendar Hearing
Your hearing notice will indicate whether it is a master calendar hearing or individual hearing.
You can also check with your attorney and see if your hearing is going forward as scheduled.
If you are not represented by an attorney, you can also call the EOIR 24/7 helpline at 1-800-898-7180.
Please note the case information on the EOIR 1-800 number may not be regularly updated due to operational changes according the Department of Justice twitter page (@DOJ_EOIR).
It is important that you do not miss a scheduled hearing date. Missing a hearing can result in an order of removal, which is an order requiring you to leave the United States).
The Difference Between a Master Calendar Hearing and Individual Hearing
A master calendar hearing is a brief hearing, where preliminary issues, such as removability is disputed and applications for relief are filed. A respondent may have multiple master calendar hearings depending on the facts.
An individual hearing, also called a merits hearing, is a trial. It is the opportunity for the respondent or respondent’s counsel to prove eligibility for relief, present evidence to the court, and examine and cross examine witnesses.
At the end of the individual hearing the immigration judge will either render a decision in open court or mail the decision later.
Holland Law Firm, PLLC can Represent You at Your Master Calendar or Individual Hearing ANYWHERE in the United States
USCIS will automatically send hearing notices for those master calendar hearings that have been rescheduled.
If your hearing has been cancelled, it is important that you use this additional time to gather evidence and prepare for your case.
If you have not already consulted with an attorney or hired an attorney, this may be the time to do so.
The Holland Law Firm, PLLC offers free 15 minute telephone consultations.
During your consultation, we can discuss possible eligibility for immigration relief, including asylum, cancellation of removal, permanent residence, and more.
Contact our office at (832) 328-7877 or visit our website www.hollandimmigrationlaw.com to schedule an initial consultation.
Please Note: Due to Coronavirus concerns, the Holland Law Firm, PLLC is only conducting telephonic or video meetings through at least April 1, 2020. We will continue to monitor CDC, local, and national recommendations for additional guidance regarding COVID19.
Resources:
Department of Justice, Executive Office of Immigration Review Official Twitter Page
