Master Calendar Hearing
It is extremely unlikely that Project Rousseau will be able to contact you for an immigration screening before your next court date.
If you would like to be put on the Project Rousseau waitlist for a screening, regardless, please ensure that you press submit for your information to be added to this waitlist.
It is essential to attend all court hearings.
You may find some of the following guides helpful to read before attending your court date. However, these guides do not reflect the specific facts of your case. You must take time yourself to understand which parts of the guide apply to you.
** Could the Judge order me removed at my Master Calendar Hearing? **
Yes, in some circumstances. First, a Judge can order someone removed at a Master Calendar Hearing if they have been in the US for a long period of time and not applied for any form of immigration relief.
Next, due to recent changes in the law, a Judge can order an individual removed at a Master Calendar Hearing if they believe their asylum application is incomplete or does not state a claim for an asylum. This is called "pre-termination" and it is being used increasingly in immigration court. To try to protect yourself from this, if your asylum application was very short, you may want to prepare a declaration (longer statement) about why you need asylum and submit this to the court before your Master Calendar Hearing. You can read about writing a declaration here:
My court date is in-person but I want to attend virtually, is that possible?
You should assume that you have to attend court in-person unless your Judge tells you otherwise. Some Judges require a formal request and these guides explain how to write one of these:
Other Judges may allow their assistant to give you permission via phone. You can call the New York courts using these numbers, you should ask to speak to the "clerk" for your Judge's name (you can find your Judge's name on https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/):
- Federal Plaza: 917-454-1040
- Varick St: 646-638-5766
- 290 Broadway: 212-240-4900
What can I do if the ICE attorney tries to dismiss my case in immigration court, but I want my case to be heard in immigration court?
ICE Check-In
If you have an ICE check-in, this is some frequently asked questions about these appointments. Remember that an ICE check-in is different to a Master Calendar Hearing.
You may also want to consider reviewing these resources:
Detention Preparation Planning
Any individual who does not have a lawful immigration status is at-risk of immigration detention. If an individual has a pending asylum application, they have the right to stay in the United States while their case is processed, however, detention is still possible in some situations. Some individuals are at higher risk of detention than others, for example, individuals with criminal records. ICE can arrest individuals in public if they have reasonable belief that the individual is removable from the United States or has violated immigration law.
Below are some resources that you may want to take to prepare your family in case of immigration detention:
1. Consider Standby Guardianship
The CUNY Law School “Planning with Parents” app will guide you step-by-step through the Advance Family Planning process. It gives you some information and then asks you questions to help you decide which documents you can fill out to better protect your family if you are detained or deported because of your immigration status.
English
Spanish
You can also call NYLAG to request an appointment with an attorney to discuss standby guardianship and complete relevant paperwork: 212 659 6188.
2. Memorize a Phone Number
If an individual is detained they have the right to place outgoing phone calls, however, the individual may lose access to their phone or other physical possessions. It may be helpful to memorize the phone number of a trusted individual to call in the event of detention.
3. Download the ReadyNow App
This is a free and secure mobile app designed to help immigrants prepare for possible detention and act quickly in moments of crisis. The app provides one-click emergency alerts via SMS to pre-selected contacts, personalized emergency plans for childcare, medical needs, legal support, and the option to share key information, if faced with arrest, with a national network of pro bono immigration attorneys.
Google Play
Apple App Store
Asylum Application Preparation
If an individual has a pending asylum application, they have the right to stay in the United States while their case is processed, however, detention is still possible in some situations. It is helpful to begin preparation on your asylum application as soon and as thoroughly as possible.
You may find the following guides helpful to read as you do this. However, these guides do not reflect the specific facts of your case. You must take time yourself to understand which parts of the guide apply to you.
1. Write your Declaration
2. Prepare Country Conditions
Scroll to the "Country Conditions Resources" section and select your country to review guides that may help you.
3. Collect Additional Evidence
This resource is an overview of the different types of evidence available to support your application for asylum.