I missed my Immigration Court Hearing. Now what?

I missed my Immigration Court hearing, What happens now?

If you fail to appear for a scheduled immigration hearing the immigration judge may issue an in-absentia removal order if you were;

1. properly notified and

2. did not apepear as scheduled.

To be properly noticed usually means that a notice to appear was sent to your last known addresss, and you were told about the consequences of missing court. The immigration court then notifies ICE that you’ve been orderd removed and you are now subject to immediate deportation. ICE may issue a warrant of removal (Form I-205) and then can come to your home, workplace, arrest you, and detain you for removal from the U.S.

Please keep in mind that with recent policy changes coming from the current administration, you could be detained and held in custody even while your proceedings are pending without a removal order.

There are several things that you can do following a removal order when you failed to appear in court. An option, depending on your circumstances could be a Motion to Reopen. The reasons why a judge might grant this type of motion is limited. To get an accessment on your particular circumstances and to determine whether is might be an option for you please call our office for an appointment. We’d love to help you get your immigration case back in court.