Immigration court proceedings are the method by which the U.S. government reviews whether someone is eligible to remain in the United States, or whether they must leave the country through an order of deportation or Voluntary Departure. Immigration court cases can last many years because of the case backlog in the courts.

Immigration court proceedings consist of two main types of hearings: Master Calendar Hearings, or preliminary hearings, and Individual Hearings, or merits hearings. Master Calendar Hearings are designed for the Judge to hear and rule on preliminary matters, like the charges of why the person is deportable and whether certain kinds of applications or evidence may be submitted. Master Calendar Hearings can include many different respondents, similar to traffic hearings, where each case is heard for just a few minutes while the Judge takes the next action on the case. Individual Hearings are designed for the Immigration Judge to hear the particulars of only one case at a time, to decide whether the person can receive a benefit that allows them to stay in the United States or whether they must leave the United States under Voluntary Departure or a deportation order.

Immigration court is a stressful, complicated, and lengthy process. Hiring an expert immigration attorney to represent you in your immigration court case can lend you peace of mind and clarity throughout the whole process. Even just scheduling a consultation with an expert in immigration court cases can help empower you with the information you need to make the best choices for your life and your family.