DuPage County Immigration and Deportation Attorney

Immigration Attorneys for Representation for Non-U.S. Citizens at their Master Calendar Hearing in Illinois

The first deportation hearing in the removal process is called the Master Calendar Hearing. When non-U.S. citizens receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) for this hearing, they must attend or face an automatic removal order and the inability to return to the U.S on any kind of visa for at least 10 years. Among other things, the NTA advises the individual of their right to an attorney at their own expense. Though it is not required, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an experienced immigration attorney before your hearing, so you understand your rights and options.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have several decades of combined experience assisting immigrant clients with Master Calendar Hearings and all other immigration matters in the Greater Chicagoland area and Northern Illinois. Our award-winning lawyers are skilled in both immigration and criminal defense, and we have in-depth knowledge of USCIS, ICE, the state and federal judicial systems, and how these areas of the law intertwine. We put our unique blend of experience with criminal issues that affect immigration to work to give our clients a strong voice and skilled representation when they are facing deportation/removal proceedings.

What to Expect at Your Master Calendar Hearing

At the Master Calendar Hearing, the judge will familiarize himself/herself with your case, and he or she will primarily address preliminary issues, such as:

• Advising you of your right to a lawyer;
• Explaining the charges against you;
• Advising you of your right to present evidence, examine evidence presented by the government, and cross-examine witnesses;
• Asking how you will plead; and
• Scheduling your Individual Hearing (if you plan to contest the charges against you).

If you have no defense, you may negotiate a voluntary removal (VR) in which you agree to return voluntarily to your home country in exchange for keeping your record free of a removal order. If you are contesting the charges against you, you (and your attorney if you have one) will explain why you believe you have a legal basis for remaining in the U.S. and/or obtaining a cancellation of removal, and you can provide an estimate of how much time you will need to present your case at your Individual Hearing. The Master Calendar Hearing is relatively short, and it will typically take no more than five to 20 minutes. However, there are usually many other hearings scheduled at the same time as yours, so counting wait time, you may expect to be in court for several hours.

Contact Our Lombard Master Calendar Hearing Lawyers

Preparing for your Master Calendar Hearing is very important, because it is your opportunity to give the judge the basis for how you will defend yourself at your Individual Hearing. An essential part of this preparation is a thorough examination of your case to identify any and all avenues for preserving your legal status in the U.S. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we work closely with our clients to provide them with a comprehensive defense strategy that greatly increases the chances of a positive outcome. For a free consultation with one of our skilled Illinois immigration lawyers, contact our office today at 630-932-9100.