A master calendar hearing is usually an early step in the
immigration process, especially in removal proceedings. At this hearing, you will
meet with a judge and a government attorney to decide how your case will
proceed. The master calendar hearing is a short, preliminary hearing,
and its main purpose is to plan out your case before moving forward with
immigration proceedings.
During a master calendar hearing, the court will not address any legal
claims or defenses regarding your case. You will not be questioned about
your case or immigration applications. No witnesses need to attend to
provide testimony. The judge will not make a ruling on your case at this
hearing. If you have an immigration attorney, they will answer many of
the judge’s questions on your behalf as the course of your case
is laid out.
At a master calendar hearing, the judge will schedule the dates for the
submission of your written documents and for your individual merits hearing.
Your individual merits hearing is an important hearing to review the substance
of your applications or to address your claims or defenses in greater
detail. This hearing will require witnesses and other supporting evidence.
Your hearing will be scheduled with other master calendar hearings, so
you will not be alone in the courtroom. You will be called forward when
it is your turn. If needed, the judge will provide an interpreter, generally
by phone. You will provide information about yourself, including your
name, address, native language, and if you are fluent in any other language.
If you have a lawyer, you will introduce them at this time. The judge
will review any charges or your application, and may ask a few clarifying
questions. After they have the needed information, they will schedule your:
- Deadline to submit pertinent applications or amendments
- Individual merits hearing
- Another master calendar hearing, if necessary
Speak to a Garden City Immigration Attorney - (516) 806-4070
You don’t need to face immigration proceedings on your own. At the
Kapoor Law Firm, our experienced team can guide you through every step of your immigration
case and ensure that you are fairly represented. Our Garden City
immigration lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and helping you remain
in the U.S.
Learn how we can help by scheduling a
free consultation. Call (516) 806-4070 or
contact our firm online.