If you have an upcoming immigration court hearing in Los Angeles, you may be wondering how you should prepare for this. Like any other step in the immigration process, you need to have an idea of what to expect so that the process can go smoothly. Especially when it comes to an immigration appeal hearing, being prepared can have a significant impact on whether or not you are allowed to remain in the U.S. and receive immigration benefits..

At The Berdugo Law Firm, APC, we are dedicated to providing our immigration clients in Los Angeles with the legal representation they need as they go to their immigration judge hearing. Keep reading to find out how to prepare for your immigration court hearing and what to expect during the appeal.

How to Prepare For Your Immigration Court Hearing

If the United States government has concluded that you are not eligible to stay in the U.S., you will receive a notice to appear, which begins the removal proceedings. The purpose of an immigration court hearing schedule is to allow you to present your case in front of an immigration judge. If you are able to prove that you are eligible or authorized to remain in the U.S., the removal proceedings might be stopped, and you could continue to receive immigration benefits.

An immigration court hearing is incredibly important if you want to avoid removal proceedings and remain in the U.S. You will need to prepare to bring your case before the judge and prove that you deserve to remain in the U.S. and receive immigration benefits. It is also critical that you understand why removal proceedings have begun so that you have a better idea of how to argue your case.

If you have been put into removal proceedings, the very first thing you should do is to hire an immigration attorney in Los Angeles who can represent you. An attorney will represent you in court, arguing on your behalf, which can significantly improve your chances of getting a favorable outcome.

An attorney will also help you prepare for your court hearing by gathering evidence, coming up with a strategy for why you should be granted relief, and preparing your testimony. They will also be responsible for drafting the arguments for your claims, which will have to be submitted to the court for review by the judge.

Immigration Hearing Evidence

Before going to your court hearing, you and your attorney need to create a strategy. Some common defense strategies your immigration attorney may use include arguing that you are eligible for a green card, you qualify for special circumstances, you qualify for CAT relief, or you fit the category of an asylee.

Depending on the strategy you and your attorney decide on, you will need to gather evidence to support your arguments. The main type of evidence you need will be your story, which will touch on the unique points that make you eligible to remain in the United States.

Other types of documentation you can provide include:

• Medical documents
• Evidence of familiar relationship relationships
• Text messages or emails
• Photographs

Depending on the defense strategy you are going to use, the evidence you need to provide will look very different. For instance, if you are arguing that you qualify as an asylum seeker, you will need to provide evidence that you are in fear of persecution in your home country.

What to Expect During the Immigration Hearing Process

If you are going to an individual immigration court hearing, the good news is that the process is relatively straightforward. When you receive a notice to appear, a court date will be set, and you will be given a deadline for submitting your evidence to the court.

There is no standard immigration court hearing wait time, but the average timeline is a few weeks or a few months at most. Although this can be a stressful process, this wait time can be beneficial as it gives you time to prepare your personal testimony as well as gather evidence.

Here is the step-by-step process of how your immigration court hearing will most likely proceed:

• The immigration judge will review your case.
• You will give your testimony.
• The immigration judge will hear your attorney’s and the government attorney’s arguments.
• The immigration judge will make a decision.

Keep in mind that the immigration judge has the option of making a ruling at the end of the hearing or at a later date. For more complicated cases, there may be a short wait before you receive a written ruling detailing the outcome of your case.

What Happens After Individual Hearing Immigration Court​?

For most immigration court hearings, you will learn the outcome directly after the hearing once the judge has reviewed your case and your attorney’s arguments. When this happens, you will either be granted immigration relief or the judge will most likely order your removal.

Even if you are not granted relief, there is still a possibility of remaining within the United States. You have the option of appealing this decision to the Bureau of Immigration Appeals, the Federal Circuit Court, or in more special circumstances, the Supreme Court.

If you are granted relief by the judge, the next steps you take will be dependent on your situation. For example, many people who are granted relief are given the option of pursuing a green card so that they can pursue citizenship. 

No matter your situation, your immigration attorney will help you throughout the next steps of the immigration process.

Contact an Immigration Attorney at The Berdugo Law Firm

Attending your immigration court hearing in Los Angeles is a critical part of the removal process if you wish to legally remain in the United States. This hearing provides you with the ability to present your case so that you can potentially remain in the U.S. and receive immigration benefits.
At The Berdugo Law Firm, APC, we are committed to providing our Los Angeles clients with the straightforward and dependable legal guidance they need as they navigate the immigration process. Contact us today at 323-642-9933 to speak with an attorney about your case.