What happens at immigration court?

In the legal proceedings related to immigration, there are two types of hearings. There’s master calendar hearings and individual hearings. The first type of hearing that you’ll go to is a master calendar hearing. It’s a preliminary hearing, and they’ll be multiple other people in the courtroom. The judge will ask your name, your address, what country you’re from, what language you speak best, and if your legal representative is authorized to speak for you. You’ll review the charging document, call the Notice to Appear, and the judge will then ask if you’re applying for any relief from deportation. If so, your case will then eventually be set for an individual hearing, where you’ll return to present your case, testimony, any witnesses, and you’ll be the only one in the courtroom.