FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How do I find my
courtroom?
A. The Houston Service Processing Center currently
houses two Immigration Judges. All visitors should
check in with Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) personnel. The CCA
receptionist has a court docket for both Judges and will direct visitors to the
appropriate courtroom.
Q. Do I have to have a
lawyer?
A. No. You may elect to proceed
without a lawyer if you choose to do so. However, it is strongly recommended
that you retain or consult with counsel prior to your hearing. The Department of Homeland Security will have an attorney present to represent
them.
Q. Will there be an interpreter
present if I don't speak English?
A. At your first master
calendar hearing, it is likely that there will be a Spanish interpreter
available to translate for you. After your first hearing, the Court will arrange
for a certified interpreter in your native language to be available at any
subsequent hearings.
Q. What will happen at my
hearing?
A. Whether you proceed with
or without a lawyer, the Immigration Judge will advise you of your rights. The
Judge will advise you of the purpose of the proceedings and why you have been
placed in deportation/removal proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security. The Judge will further advise you that you will have a reasonable
opportunity to examine and object to the evidence against you, to present
evidence on your own behalf, and to cross examine witnesses presented by the
government. The Judge will place you under oath and read the factual allegations
and the charges in the Notice to Appear (NTA) and explain them to you. You have
a right to legal representation of your choice without any expense to the
Government. Additionally, the Judge will ask you whether or not the factual
allegations contained in the NTA are true. If you do not agree that you are
subject to removal or deportation, the Immigration Judge will conduct a hearing
to determine the issue of removability. Once removability is established, the
Immigration Judge will advise you of any discretionary relief that may be
available and allow you an opportunity to submit the appropriate applications
for relief.
Q. Will my application require a
fee?
A. With the exception of asylum applications, most
applications for relief require a fee. Please see the standard fee schedule for
details at 8 C.F.R. § 103.7. The regulations provide that if
you are unable to afford the fee for an application -- cancellation of removal,
for example -- you can request a waiver from the Immigration Judge. The
procedures for requesting a fee waiver are found at 8 C.F.R. §
103.7(c).
Q. What will happen at the
conclusion of my hearing?
A. The Immigration Judge will
enter a decision in your case which may be oral or written. You will have the
opportunity to appeal this decision if you so choose. If you wish to appeal,
form EOIR 26 (Notice to Appeal) must be received by the Board of Immigration
Appeals within 30 days of the Immigration Judge's decision.
Q: Where do I pay fees for
applications?
A: The Immigration Court does
not accept fees for applications. All application fees are paid to the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office located at 126 Northpoint
Drive, Room 2020, Houston, Texas 77060. If you have questions about fees or
service of documents, call 1-800-375-5283.