What to Do After Receiving a Notice to Appear
For non-citizens in the United States, receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) is very stressful. This notice means that immigration proceedings have been initiated against you and that the government is examining your legal status in the country. An NTA confirms your identity, the legal grounds for possible deportation, and information regarding the hearing you will have to attend. It is critical that you do not ignore this notice, as that will not make the matter go away. Below, our Tifton deportation defense lawyer explains the most important steps to take.
Verify the Information is Accurate
It is essential that you review the NTA after receiving it to ensure that the information contained within it is accurate. It is not uncommon for NTAs to contain wrong addresses, misspelled names, incorrect dates and times for hearings, and these can make your case more complex. A deportation defense lawyer can review your NTA to ensure that all information is accurate.
Prepare for the Master Calendar Hearing
The first hearing you will attend is the Master Calendar Hearing. It is important to speak to an attorney who can prepare you for this hearing. At the hearing you can expect several things to happen, including:
- Verifying the accuracy of your personal information such as your name and address
- A review of the charges and allegations against you that are included in the NTA
- Confirming that you have legal counsel, or providing you with more time to find one, although public defenders are not available in immigration court
- You will either admit or deny the charges against you
The Master Calendar Hearing is brief and lasts only approximately 15 minutes. If you do not attend this hearing, the judge may issue an in absentia removal notice, which means you could be deported without the opportunity to defend yourself.
Collect Supporting Evidence
When defending your case, you will need to present extensive documentation. This can include the following:
- Passports, visa, or other identification documents issued by the federal government
- Immigration records such as previous applications, decisions, and petitions
- Proof of residency, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or other documents showing your actual presence in the U.S.
- Character references including letters from colleagues, neighbors, and family members
Prepare for Your Individual Hearing
If your case proceeds, you will have to attend an individual hearing where you can present your arguments and evidence. To prepare for this hearing, practice your testimony with a deportation defense lawyer, contact reliable witnesses who can testify on your behalf, and follow all deadlines for submitting evidence to the court.
Seek Help from a Deportation Defense Lawyer in Tifton Immediately
It is critical to speak to a Tifton deportation defense lawyer as soon as possible after receiving an NTA. An attorney will evaluate your case, explain your rights, file motions for relief, represent you in court, and negotiate with immigration officials on your behalf. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611.
Source:
ice.gov/doclib/detention/checkin/NTA_I_862.pdf
