Immigration: Prepare For Your Merits Hearing

This article will discuss some aspects you can prepare for and keep you in the loop of what to expect when you attend immigration court.

Have you been arrested by the immigration authorities? Or has your case been referred to immigration court after the rejection of your application? Either way you are probably nervous as to what to expect during the court process. This article will discuss some aspects you can prepare for and keep you in the loop of what to expect when you attend immigration court. Firstly, you will attend a brief hearing with the judge called a Master Calendar hearing. In this brief meeting with the judge, the judge will quickly look at what kind of case you have and then set a date for the actual hearing of your case, called a Merits Hearing. 

Basics of a Merit Hearing

It is important to know that you will need your own attorney, none will be provided, therefore, you will need to pay for your attorney. The court can give you a list of some attorneys. If you show up at the Master Calendar hearing without an attorney you may be fortunate enough to find a volunteer one available. However, it is strongly advised that you find your own attorney ahead of time who can prepare your case and arguments accordingly.

Secondly, it is important that you do not skip the hearing. If you fail to show up for the hearing an automatic order of removal will be granted and you will be expected to leave the country immediately. Even if your application was denied initially, it may be successful after the judge has heard your case. Further, even if you lose at the merits hearing you have the right to appeal that decision.

When attending the merits hearing or at any other time that you are going before a judge, it is imperative that you wear formal clothing, for example a suit and tie if impossible, or at least clean, neat and comfortable clothing. Part of the judge’s decision is based on whether he or she believes your testimony and looking professional could help you appear credible.

When attending your merits hearing it is a bad idea to bring along any young children, as the hearing can take between three to four hours to finish. In some cases, merits hearing do not end on the first day. Where that happens the judge will ‘continue’ (postpone) the hearing to another day. The next merit hearing date is likely to be on a future date as court calendars are often booked up.

If you have been notified of the need to attend an immigration hearing, it is of utmost importance that you visit an immigration law office to speak to a lawyer to determine your rights, come up with a defense strategy and help you prepare to testify. A merits hearing focuses on you, that is presenting your defense and fully showing why you deserve the relief you are requesting, for example a green card. Therefore you will need assistance so as not to discredit yourself while giving your defense and testimony.

For more information with regards to merits hearings, defense strategies and testimony visit Columbus immigration office for legal assistance. 

If you are looking for best Ohio immigration attorney, the author of this article recommends The Herman Legal Group.