FRequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) schedules appointments for folks who have had previous encounters with immigration agents at the border. ICE schedules these appointments to confirm that individuals are still living in the same location and review their case.

This is a “Notice to Appear” (NTA).  This is the document that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) files with the immigration court to begin immigration court proceedings or “Removal Proceedings” in a case.  The court calls people who have cases in immigration court “Respondents.”

These  are hearings before judges of the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) who review removal, deportation, exclusion, and other kinds of proceedings. This hearing usually has an immigration judge (IJ) and an Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) for the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.

*IN ABSENTIA WARNING* 

If you do not appear to your hearing, it may result in the respondent being ordered removed “in absentia.” You cannot appeal a removal order issued in absentia; however, you may file a motion to rescind an in-absentia removal order in certain cases. 

Using your A-Number, you can look up information about your case including; your next hearing date, your clock, and any deadlines. 

• You may call 1-800-898-7180

• Or visit the following website https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/

Master calendar hearings are held for pleadings and scheduling future hearings, among many other things. 

Your first hearing is a master calendar hearing, and the judge normally explains to people in proceedings their rights and their responsibilities. This is when you can normally ask for more time while you look for an attorney (although not required).  YOU DO NOT NEED A LAWYER TO GO TO COURT!

See the following video for more information

No.. You are not required to bring an attorney with you for your hearing. You can represent yourself

*IN ABSENTIA WARNING* 

If you do not appear to your hearing, it may result in the respondent being ordered removed “in absentia.” You cannot appeal a removal order issued in absentia; however, you may file a motion to rescind an in-absentia removal order in certain cases. 

Please see the following video for more information:

OJO: Changing your address is not the same as asking to change venue!

Depending on your case, you will need to change your address with ICE, USCIS and/or Immigration Court, depending on your case.

If your case is in a court in a different city, you ALSO have to ask the court to transfer your case to the court in your city.  This is called a “Change of VENUE”

The following are links where you can access a change of address form with ICE, USCIS and immigration court (EOIR):

1. ICE Online Change of Address: https://onlinechangeofaddress.ice.gov/ocoa

2. USCIS Change of Address: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11

EOIR Change of Address: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/form-eoir-33-eoir-immigration-court-listing

See the following video for more information:

You do not need a lawyer in order to apply for asylum- you can do it yourself.  It is important to file your asylum application within one year of arriving in the U.S.!

The following link is where you can find the I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal:

1. USCIS I-589 Form: https://www.uscis.gov/i-589

Please see the following video for more information:

You are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) aka (a work permit) 150 days after your asylum application has been pending for over 150 days. You may also be eligible for work authorization if you were paroled in at the border.

Please see the following video for more information:

There may be special forms of relief for young people under the age of 21.  These organizations specialize in working with young people.

Soon we will have a list you can download of SIJ organizations that we recommend you consulting with.