A Notice to Appear is a type of document that can be delivered via mail or in person by an immigration officer or law enforcement official. If you receive one, it’s important to understand what it means and what the potential next steps are.
What Is a Notice to Appear?
A Notice to Appear (NTA) document is delivered to notify the recipient that the government has started proceedings to remove them. An NTA document requires the recipient to make a court appearance. Because some scammers will attempt to forge these documents, it’s important to only take them seriously if you receive them in person from an immigration officer, by mail, or through your attorney.
When you receive a Notice to Appear document, you will have a minimum of ten days before you will need to appear in court. It’s also important to contact your attorney and carefully review the information on the form, as it may be inaccurate.
What Information Does the Document Contain?
When an immigration official completes your Notice to Appear, there are three boxes that could be checked. This will tell you why the United States is interested in proceeding with deportation. They may indicate that you are an arriving alien, an alien present who hasn’t been admitted or paroled, or admitted but removable. In addition to forms that might indicate wrong information about your name or address, they may also have the improper box checked.
Does an NTA Mean You Will Be Deported?
Not necessarily. There are multiple ways that you can still avoid deportation after getting a Notice to Appear with the help of your lawyer. Some of the ways that you can avoid deportation include:
- Winning your case in immigration court
- Challenging issues or inaccuracies in the Notice to Appear
- Prosecutorial discretion
- Asylum
- Post-conviction release
Your attorney can speak with you about your various options and the best way to make your case in front of the court. Calling your attorney as quickly as possible is critical, as proceedings can occur very rapidly.
Protect Yourself with The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you or a loved one is uncertain how to proceed when you are looking for immigration law assistance, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultation are both available to clients.