Did you receive a summons to immigration court? The ensuing process to follow is going to be very delicate, but it is ultimately more straightforward with the help of our Russian immigration attorney. If you don’t have access to an attorney, the path will be a lot harder for you to go through, but let’s go over what this might end up looking like.
Appearing at Immigration Court
If you are summoned to immigration court, it means that the United States government is attempting to deport you back to your home country. If you have not been able to obtain a Russian immigration attorney by the time of your summons, you must still appear in court at the stipulated time. If you do not do so, you may be deported for failing to appear in court. But don’t worry, although it is preferable, you don’t necessarily need to have a lawyer with you at your first summons. You have to go, find the clerk in charge of the registry, and appear in court. Having registered, sit down and wait your turn.
Requesting an Extension
The first thing you should do when the judge calls you is to make sure that, if you do not know English, the court has an interpreter who can translate what the judge says and what you respond. If you do not have a Russian-speaking interpreter or a Russian immigration attorney, the court must reschedule you for a session with a translator present. If there is an interpreter or if you speak English, the next step will be to ask for an extension. This allows you to postpone your trial and obtain a new summons so you can find legal representation. Typically, judges will be lenient in allowing you to obtain legal representation, giving you at least a week or two to find an attorney for immigration court.
In Case You Don’t Receive the Extension
Although in most cases the judge will grant you the extension you want, this will not last forever. Most judges will only grant you up to two extensions to find a lawyer. If you, for one reason or another, have been unable to find a lawyer, whether due to lack of money or contacts, the judge may insist that you represent yourself in court. If you are comfortable with this, you have the right to do so. You could say, after all, that you are the person who knows your own case best. Even so, you probably are not an expert in immigration law nor do you have experience representing yourself in court. For this reason, it is recommended that you do everything possible to find legal protection.
Contact a Russian Speaking Attorney for Immigration Court
An immigration lawyer can help you with all types of situations when it comes to immigration cases, whether visa applications, citizenship processes, defense against deportation, political asylum procedures, and other applications that may arise as part of your documentation attempt. . Here at Paniotto Law, we are ready to help you with your immigration procedures regardless of what they are. Our team of immigration attorneys is ready and willing to offer you a free consultation and determine possible ways to deal with your case. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation and start your process with us. We are here to help you.