If you are facing deportation in Atlanta, you may need the help of an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can represent you at your first appearance, called a Master Hearing, and also help you file an appeal.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is piloting a new program that monitors immigration court proceedings in Atlanta. The project is part of the organization’s Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative.
Master Hearing
Master Hearings, also known as MCHs, are fast and simple procedures for the immigration judge to determine the charges against you and to offer you defenses to those charges. At the end of this hearing, the immigration judge will either decide to grant you asylum or order your deportation.
Applicants are strongly advised to attend these hearings dressed in a professional or clean, conservative clothing. They should be sure that they are in possession of a valid passport and legal immigration status, and bring any family members who have legal immigration status.
Immigration attorneys can make a huge difference in the outcome of the case at the Master Hearing. They can argue for a variety of defenses and can help the respondent prepare for possible questions that may be asked during the proceedings by a government attorney from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or by an immigration judge.
Hearings
Immigration court hearings are where a judge decides whether you’re deportable or if you’re eligible for adjustment of status, asylum, waivers, or cancellation of removal. This is a crucial step in the immigration process, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side.
Immigration courts have the largest backlog of cases in the United States, so many immigrants wait years to receive a hearing before an immigration judge. If you’re facing deportation, a qualified Atlanta immigration attorney may be able to help you get your case heard quickly.
If you’re a non-citizen who’s in detention, you may be able to have a bond hearing at the courthouse where you’re being held. These are usually held in the onsite courtrooms of detention centers.
Appealing a Decision
If you’ve already gone through a hearing, but the Immigration Judge made an unfavorable decision on your case, you may want to appeal it. You may also file a motion to reopen or reconsider your case if you think the judge based her or his decision on an incorrect application of law or policy.
As a matter of justice, you should always seek an experienced Atlanta deportation lawyer to represent you at your appeal. Many people lose their cases at the immigration court every year because of avoidable mistakes that could have been avoided if they had legal help.
At Strickland Webster, our attorneys have years of experience handling appeals and can help you win your case. Call us for a free consultation to get started.
Filing a Petition
When you are a non-citizen, filing a petition can help you fight for your right to stay in the United States. You can also file a petition if you feel your rights have been violated by the government.
In a petition, you ask a court or government body to take a specific action or to consider a certain issue. You can also use a petition to raise public awareness about an issue.
You can file a petition online with the help of a website, or by sending paper copies to a court or government agency. A petition can be filed for a number of reasons, including writ petitions, habeas corpus petitions, immigration petitions, and more.
The Atlanta Immigration Court is one of the busiest in the country and is home to ten immigration judges. If you are in need of legal assistance, you should speak with a trusted immigration lawyer. They can explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
