Being placed in removal proceedings is frightening, and the immigration court process moves on its own schedule regardless of how prepared you feel. What matters most is understanding, early, what forms of relief you may actually qualify for, because the strategy differs enormously depending on your immigration history, time in the U.S., family ties, and any criminal record.
We represent clients in immigration court from the first master calendar hearing through a full merits hearing, building a case around whichever forms of relief genuinely fit the facts: cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, waivers, or voluntary departure when that's truly the best available outcome.
Who This Helps
- Anyone who has received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court
- Individuals who have lived in the U.S. for 10+ years and may qualify for cancellation of removal
- Lawful permanent residents facing removal due to a criminal conviction
- Individuals who fear returning to their home country and may qualify for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture
- Detained individuals who need both a bond hearing and a removal defense strategy
- Clients who received a removal order in absentia and need to reopen their case
How We Handle These Cases
Case & Relief Assessment
We review your full immigration history, family ties, time in the U.S., and any criminal record to identify every form of relief that's realistically available to you.
Master Calendar Hearing
We appear with you at the master calendar hearing, respond to the charges in the Notice to Appear, and set the schedule for filing applications for relief.
Evidence & Application Preparation
We build your case with declarations, corroborating evidence, expert input where needed, and a fully prepared application for whichever relief applies.
Individual (Merits) Hearing
We represent you at the full merits hearing before the immigration judge, presenting testimony and evidence and cross-examining any opposing witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cancellation of removal and do I qualify?
Cancellation of removal is a form of relief for certain non-permanent residents who have been continuously present in the U.S. for at least 10 years, have good moral character, and can show their removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. It's a high bar, but it's one of the most significant forms of relief available.
What happens at a master calendar hearing?
It's a shorter, procedural hearing where you respond to the allegations in the Notice to Appear, and the judge sets deadlines for any applications for relief and schedules your individual merits hearing. It is not where your full case is decided.
Can I still fight my case if I'm detained?
Yes. Being detained makes the timeline more urgent, and it usually means pursuing a bond hearing alongside your removal defense so you can prepare your case while released. Detained dockets also move faster, which makes early, thorough preparation even more important.
What if I missed a hearing and got an in absentia removal order?
You may be able to file a motion to reopen if you can show you didn't receive proper notice or had exceptional circumstances for missing the hearing. There are strict deadlines for this, so it's important to act quickly.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case depends on its specific facts. Contact Murph & Tchamda LLP to discuss your situation with a licensed attorney before taking any action.