What removal proceedings are (in plain English)

Removal proceedings usually begin with an NTA, a Notice to Appear. This charging document lists the government’s allegations and the legal grounds they believe make you removable. It is critical to check that your address is correct and promptly file an EOIR‑33 if it is not, so that you receive all hearing notices. Most cases involve two main types of hearings. The first is a brief Master Calendar Hearing, used to take pleadings, identify potential forms of relief, and set deadlines. The second is an Individual or “Merits” Hearing, where you present evidence and testimony and the judge decides your case. If you disagree with a judge’s decision, you generally have 30 calendar days to file a Notice of Appeal (EOIR‑26) to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Deadlines are strictly based on receipt at the BIA, so timely filing is essential.

Our approach to defense

Our work begins with early case triage. We review the NTA, entry records, prior applications, criminal dispositions, and your equities, including family ties, hardship factors, medical conditions, and community connections. We then focus on defensive relief mapping. We identify every viable path, such as asylum‑related protection, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, waivers, or voluntary departure, and prioritize each option based on eligibility, timing, and risk. Our strategy is document‑driven. Country reports, expert opinions, medical records, school records, and employer letters are curated and organized to meet evidentiary rules and to help the judge clearly understand your story. We also engage in prosecutorial discretion and negotiation. We work with the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), the trial counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, to pursue dismissal, administrative closure where available, narrowing of issues, or stipulations where appropriate. When necessary, we pursue appeals and motions, preparing motions to suppress or terminate, motions to reopen or reconsider, and BIA appeals, while preserving issues for any potential federal court review.

Common forms of relief we pursue.