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ImmigrationRemoval

First master calendar hearing next month — what do I expect?

CAanon_removal1 month ago

Got my NTA. First master calendar hearing is in 4 weeks. Pro se because I can't afford a lawyer. What should I expect?

2 replies

✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first

Linh Nguyen avatarLinh NguyenVerified Attorney1 month ago

Master calendar hearings are short procedural hearings — typically 5-10 minutes. The IJ will ask if you have an attorney, if you concede service of the NTA, whether you admit the allegations, and what relief you intend to seek. If you don't have counsel yet, you can ask for a continuance to find one — IJs grant the first request routinely. PLEASE try harder to find counsel before the next hearing: removal hearings are not the place to be pro se if you can possibly avoid it. Free options: cliniclegal.org legal-provider directory, your local Catholic Charities immigration office, ImmigrationAdvocates.org's directory of free providers. Many run 'know-your-rights' clinics where you can also meet with an attorney about your specific case.

Lawma Moderator1 month ago

EOIR's free legal services list (justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers) breaks down free providers by immigration court. Print and bring to your hearing.

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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.