If the U.S government is planning to deport you, they must have granted you a master calendar hearing (MCH). The first hearing doesn’t mean that you will be deported immediately. It’s a way of determining how your case will move forward as per how the government attorney and the immigration judge will decide. During this hearing, you will not be questioned about any details regarding your case since no ruling will be made. Another date will then be scheduled, where you will be required to submit your written documents. If you have any questions related to your MCH, you may get this information at the immigration office Chula Vista.
How Do I Prepare For My Master Calendar Hearing?
You will be required to attend your first hearing as per the date given. To have your case move smoothly, you may consider hiring an experienced immigration lawyer to help you get the details of how to appear for your MCH. However, you may consider the below factors to be prepared at your first hearing:
- Make sure to arrive on time: If you are absent at your MCH or late, the immigration judge may deny your claims or decline any chance to defend yourself.
- Get current information on the procedures involved in your local immigration court: You can carry all the important documents for easier identification. This may include your passport, a personal calendar or any other relevant document your lawyer may advise you to carry
- Bring a lawyer with you: If you don’t have an immigration lawyer representing you, you can request the immigration judge to give you some time to look for one. The IJ may provide you at least two weeks. If you have a lawyer, this may be an excellent time to present him/her to the IJ.
- Make sure to be dressed appropriately and behave professionally at your hearing.
What Should I Expect During My MCH Hearing?
At your MCH, all the proceedings will be presided over by the immigration judge. You may expect the following:
- The immigration judge will start you over by requesting your identification: This could be your name, location, address, or any other information to help him/her identify you.
- The charges against you will be listed: You will be given a chance to admit or deny them. If you don’t communicate well in English, it’s better to request the judge to grant you an interpreter to ensure all you say is not used against you.
- Your case will be scheduled at a specific date by the government attorney and the IJ: This will also include deadlines as to when you’re expected to provide evidence against the allegations set before you. Make sure to keep deadlines, if unable to attend to your hearing, and you may request the date to be rescheduled.
Immigration laws are exceeding, technical and confusing. Some cases even take years before a resolution is obtained. You need an immigration lawyer to walk you over your immigration court proceedings matters to ensure you are not detained or removed from the U.S.