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Received an Immigration Court Summons? Here's What You Need to Do Immediately

  • Foto del escritor: Alberto Alcala
    Alberto Alcala
  • 18 nov
  • 2 Min. de lectura

Your heart races, your palms sweat, and fear takes over. You just received a summons for immigration court.


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It's normal to feel panicked in this moment. But take a deep breath and read this carefully: your future in the United States depends on what you do in the next few hours and days.


At RISE Immigration Services, we've helped hundreds of people in your exact situation. This guide will tell you exactly what to do, step by step.


Step 1: Stay Calm and DO NOT IGNORE IT


This is crucial: Ignoring the summons is the BIGGEST mistake you can make.


  • Keep the summons in a safe place

  • Take a picture with your phone to have a digital copy

  • Write down the date, time, and address of the court immediately


Consequences of not appearing:


  • Immediate deportation order

  • Possible arrest at any time

  • Permanent closure of your immigration case


Step 2: Review the Summons Carefully


Locate this vital information:


  • Alien case number ("A-number")

  • Exact date and time of your hearing

  • Complete court address

  • Type of hearing (initial, individual, merits)

  • Judge assigned to your case


Step 3: Find an Immigration Lawyer IMMEDIATELY


Do not try to handle this alone. You need professional legal representation.


Why it's urgent:


  • A lawyer can find defenses you don't know about

  • They will prepare you for what to say in court

  • They can request more time if needed

  • They will physically accompany you to the hearing


Warning: Do not go to notaries or consultants who are not licensed attorneys.


Step 4: Gather All Your Documents


Start collecting this documentation:


  • Your passport and any identification

  • Copies of the summons (keep the original)

  • Proof of address in the U.S.

  • Employment records and bank statements

  • Birth certificates of your children (if any)

  • Proof of time in the U.S. (receipts, leases, bills)

Step 5: Prepare Your Legal Strategy with RISE


At RISE Immigration Services, we act quickly:


  1. Emergency Evaluation: We analyze your case within 24 hours

  2. Immediate Preparation: We begin your legal defense immediately

  3. Court Accompaniment: We're with you at every hearing

  4. Defense Exploration: We look for all options for you to stay


Legal Defenses That Might Apply to Your Case


  • Asylum due to persecution in your country

  • Cancellation of Removal for long-term residents

  • Adjustment of Status through qualified family

  • U Visas for crime victims

  • 10-Year Law if you have relatives who would suffer extreme hardship


What to Expect at Your First Hearing


  • Formal presentation before the judge

  • Reading of charges against you

  • Possible plea of guilty or not guilty

  • Discussion of options for your defense

  • Date for next hearing


Mistakes You MUST AVOID at All Costs


  • Missing your court date

  • Lying to the judge or your lawyer

  • Signing documents you don't understand

  • Hiding or changing address without notifying

  • Believing in "magic solutions" or false promises


Your Future Deserves a Legal Fight, Not Flight


Receiving a court summons doesn't mean you'll automatically be deported. It means it's time to fight for your right to stay.


At RISE Immigration Services, we are Latinos helping Latinos. We understand your fear because we've walked this path with many people like you.


 
 
 
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