If you’ve received a Notice to Appear (NTA) before a Chicago immigration court, you’re likely wondering what this hearing entails and the consequences it might hold for you and your family. A Notice to Appear is serious, but it doesn’t automatically mean you’re being sent out of the country tomorrow. It’s a government notice that officially starts immigration court proceedings. And while that may sound overwhelming, knowing what to do next can reduce stress and make the process much less intimidating. In this post, our Chicago immigration attorney explains what you should do if an NTA appears in your mailbox, and how professional legal support can aid you in the process. Thoroughly read the entire document so you clearly understand their expectations and next steps. It might be tempting to ignore this unsettling piece of mail, but it’s crucial that you face the removal process head-on and read your NTA carefully. This document will tell you exactly why the government wants you in court and what immigration law they believe you’ve violated. Look for the date and location of your hearing. Next, review the explanation of charges. Are they claiming you overstayed your visa? Entered without inspection? Something else? It’s not necessary for you to understand every legal term–an experienced immigration lawyer can help if you need assistance. Try to get the general idea of the government’s legal claims, and if anything seems off, like your name is misspelled, or the facts seem wrong, make a note of it. Those kinds of errors can matter later. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the NTA. Ignoring an NTA will result in the government winning by default. If you don’t show up to court, the judge can order your removal without hearing your side of the story. Remember that once a removal order is in place, it’s extremely hard to undo. Even if you feel frozen, overwhelmed, or tempted to shove the letter in a drawer and pretend it’s not there, don’t. Put the hearing date in your calendar. Set reminders on your phone. Tell a family member so they can hold you accountable. The simple act of appearing in court already puts you in a better position than skipping out. The moment you receive an NTA, it’s time to consult an immigration lawyer. Immigration law is not a DIY project. Navigating this complex and ever-changing system full of technicalities and exceptions requires experience. It’s generally not in your best interest to go it alone, especially when a judge is involved. An experienced Chicago immigration attorney can support clients with education, helping them understand their options, build a defense, and guide them through the process. If payment is a concern, look into legal aid groups or nonprofits in your area. There are many opportunities for support in the Chicago community. Once you’ve read the NTA and connected with a lawyer, it’s time to gather your paperwork. You should collect anything that can support your case or show your ties to the U.S. Applicable documents could include: Don’t stress about making it perfect right away. Just start gathering what you can. Your lawyer will help decide what’s most useful. And if you've ever had any arrests or criminal charges (even ones that were dismissed), get copies of those records, too. Full transparency is important. Immigration court isn’t just one and done. There are usually multiple hearings, and you need to be at every single one. The first type is the Master Calendar Hearing. This one is usually short. You’ll confirm your information, respond to the charges, and the judge will set the schedule for the next steps. The second type of hearing is the Merits Hearing (sometimes called an Individual Hearing). That’s the big one. This is where you and your lawyer present your deportation defense, bring in evidence, maybe call witnesses, and explain why you should be allowed to stay. Missing even one hearing can sink your case. If something truly unavoidable comes up, like a medical emergency, you must let the court know right away and file for a reschedule. Otherwise, show up every time, on time, and prepared. This is where your lawyer can provide crucial support. There is a huge array of possible defenses in immigration court that are important to consider, and the applicability of these defenses will depend on your situation. You might qualify for asylum. Maybe you’ve been here a long time and have someone with U.S. citizenship in the family. Maybe you’re eligible for cancellation of removal. Or maybe the government just can’t prove its case. These are only a few of the possibilities. Some other common defenses include: Your role at this part of the process is to be open and honest with your attorney in order to give them the information they need to consider every possible defense. You put your lawyer in the best position to build a strong argument when you give them the full picture. Keeping your documentation and notes in order can make the legal process after receiving an NTA much smoother. Make a folder (physical or digital) for all your documents. Keep copies of everything you give to your lawyer or the court. Jot down important dates, who you spoke to, and what was said. Save emails. Track your court dates and deadlines. Be sure to stay in touch with your attorney. If you move, tell them. If you get a new phone number, tell them. The same goes for the court. Keeping your contact info updated is crucial. If they can’t find you, they can’t notify you, and that can lead to missed hearings. It might feel like a lot of responsibility, but being organized gives you control. It helps you feel less overwhelmed. Plus, judges tend to appreciate people who come prepared. When you’re facing something as stressful as removal proceedings, it’s natural to turn to friends, family, or even anonymous advice on the internet. But this can be dangerous. While many people mean well and want to offer support, you can’t be sure that they have legal experience or education. It’s important to remember that legal details vary from case to case, and laws change over time. What worked for your neighbor in 2015 might not work for you today. And Google? It’s a mixed bag. Some of the info out there is helpful, but a lot of it is outdated, incomplete, or just plain wrong. Also, be wary of people offering legal help who aren’t actual attorneys. Some “consultants” or “notarios” pretend to be experts, but they can really mess up your case. The truth is, bad advice can hurt your case. If you’re not sure about something, confirm it with a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited representative from a recognized organization. Those are the only sources you should rely on. Receiving an NTA is a big deal, but it’s not the end of the road. It’s the beginning of a legal process, and you have rights. You’ve also got time–time to get help, build your case, and show up strong. You’re not alone in this. Thousands of people go through immigration court every year, and many of them win their cases. You just have to take it seriously, act fast, and stay informed. Take this journey one step at a time, and put yourself in the best possible position by soliciting the support of an experienced immigration lawyer. At Ibrahim Law Office in Chicago, our experienced attorney works closely with clients facing the removal process, building the best possible defense and advocating for their right to stay in the U.S. Connect with our law office today at (312) 767-8611 to discuss your NTA and how to approach this important legal challenge. FAQs An NTA is usually a multi-page document with “Notice to Appear” printed at the top. It lists your personal details, the government’s allegations against you, and the section of law they say you violated. It also includes information about your first court hearing (or it may say “to be set,” meaning you’ll get another notice later with the actual date). Don’t be thrown off by all the legal codes and formal language. It’s just the paper that officially starts your case in immigration court. The notice itself can’t be “rescheduled,” since it’s just the charging document, but you can request to reschedule your hearing date if you have a valid reason. This might be for a medical emergency, travel issues, or other serious conflicts. You have to file the request with the immigration court as soon as possible and provide proof of your conflict. An NTA isn’t a criminal charge, so it doesn’t show up on a criminal record the same way an arrest or conviction would. It does become part of your immigration record. That means immigration authorities can see it in the future, and it could affect applications for visas, green cards, or citizenship. It’s not something that disappears, which is why handling it correctly is so important.#1 Read the NTA Carefully
#2 Do Not Ignore a Notice to Appear
#3 Hire an Experienced Immigration Lawyer
#4 Prepare Your Documents
#5 Attend All Hearings After Receiving an NTA
#6 Explore Possible Defenses
#7 Stay Organized
#8 Do Not Rely on Misinformation
Contact a Chicago Immigration Attorney When You Receive a Notice to Appear
What Does a Notice to Appear Look Like?
Can You Reschedule a Notice to Appear?
Does a Notice to Appear Go on Your Record?
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